Brazil icon Marta was in tears after being sent off in a vital Olympic group stage clash with Spain – a game that could be her last for her country.
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Marta sent off in Brazil's clash with SpainCould be the end of her OlympicsAnd her international career after retirement announcementWHAT HAPPENED?
With the scores goalless in first-half stoppage time during Wednesday's encounter, Marta flew into a challenge with Olga Carmona with her boot raised way too high, leaving the referee with no choice but to brandish a red card. The 38-year-old didn't react angrily to the decision, perhaps understanding straight away that she had little argument, but was still left distraught given it could have been her final game for Brazil.
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Marta announced earlier this year that she would retire from international duty in 2024, making the Olympic Games her final major tournament in Brazil's famous colours. As a result, her career at this level hangs in the balance as she will not be available for the Olympic quarter-finals, meaning the South American champions would need to progress to the semi-finals for her to feature again. Whether she will play beyond the tournament is also unclear, as no official date of her retirement has been confirmed.
DID YOU KNOW?
Marta came into this Olympics with the potential to hit two big milestones. Should she score a goal at Paris 2024, she would become the first man or woman to score at six successful Olympics while also tying the record for the most goals overall at the women's tournament. The chance to achieve those feats could well be gone now.