Two stunning first-half free-kicks from Yasmim propelled defending champions Brazil into the semi-finals of the Women’s Copa America with a convincing 4-1 victory over Group B rivals Paraguay on Tuesday.
The Brazilian full-back opened the scoring in the 27th minute with a perfectly executed curling free-kick that found the far corner of the net. She doubled Brazil’s advantage just 12 minutes later with an almost identical set-piece, once again beating the Paraguayan goalkeeper to establish a commanding lead.
Paraguay’s task was made more difficult when defender Camila Arrieta was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a foul on Brazil’s captain, Marta. The defending champions capitalized on their numerical advantage, with Amanda Gutierres making it 3-0 on the hour mark.
Paraguay managed to pull a goal back in the 65th minute through the tournament’s leading scorer, Claudia Martinez, who netted her fifth of the competition. However, any hopes of a comeback were extinguished when Duda Sampaio restored Brazil’s three-goal cushion with a composed finish in the 75th minute.
“I’m very happy for the goals but above all for the result and for the victory,” Yasmim said after the match. “We are very happy for the qualification to the semis. We have many aspects that we know we can improve. We have to keep working and giving our all for this shirt.”
The victory ensures Brazil remain unbeaten in Group B. They will now face Colombia in their final group-stage fixture on Friday, a highly anticipated rematch of the previous edition’s final.
“Colombia are a very strong team, we know it will be difficult,” Yasmim added. “This match is like a derby, we have to prepare ourselves in the best way to face them.”
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