Marta bids Cup bittersweet farewell

Brazil's early elimination tinges legend's final appearance at tournament, but her far-reaching legacy lives on

MELBOURNE, Australia — Before leaving the Women's World Cup as a player for the sixth and last time, Marta embraced Jamaica captain Khadija "Bunny" Shaw.

The Reggae Girlz had just sent Brazil and Marta home by holding them to a 0-0 draw on Wednesday night, and Shaw shared emotional words with one hand resting over her heart and the other holding Marta's hand.

"I just told her that she's not just an inspiration for me, but for a lot of young girls in the Caribbean and around the world," Shaw said.

With the win, Jamaica became the first Caribbean nation to advance to the Women's World Cup knockout rounds.

"She just said that she's watched our journey, ever since we qualified," Shaw said, "and she credits us because every time we got knocked down, we still get up and keep pushing."

Marta, 37, holds the record for the most World Cup goals scored, women or men, with 17. She was the first player to score in five consecutive Women's World Cups, debuting at the 2003 tournament.

"Her legacy continues, it doesn't end here," Brazil's Ary Borges said. "She is a woman who will continue to inspire not only my generation, but (new) generations."

Brazil failed to advance out of the group stage for the first time since 1995, and Marta couldn't capitalize on the chance to become the first player, woman or man, to score in six World Cups.

But her pending retirement means neither that, nor a Women's World Cup title, will be part of her remarkable legacy.

Marta admitted she started getting sentimental as she looked at the moon in Melbourne, trying to summon a way to create or score the goal that Brazil needed to keep progressing at the World Cup. She saw her younger teammates looking for inspiration, and knew she had to dig deep.

"Especially because it was their first World Cup and it's just the beginning — I won't play in another World Cup, but they will have other opportunities," she said. "So I had to stop lamenting. It's football, we tried from start to finish, we tried to score but the ball didn't want to go in."

'I end, they continue'

Marta said the exit was "not even in my worst nightmares" as the legendary attacker bid a heartbreaking farewell to the tournament.

"It's hard to talk at a time like this. Not even in my worst nightmares was it the World Cup I dreamed of," said Marta, who looked as shell-shocked as she was upset.

"But it is only the beginning, the Brazilian people ask for renewal, and there is renewal.

"The only old one is me, most of them (teammates) are young girls with enormous talent, it's just the beginning for them.

"I end here, but they continue."

Marta — nicknamed "Pele in a skirt" by the late Brazilian soccer great — will never win the World Cup to add to her many achievements.

Among them, she is the all-time leading scorer in World Cups, men's or women's, but was unable to add to her tally of 17 in Melbourne. She was named FIFA World Player of the Year six times. Off the pitch, her profile transcended the women's game.

"Marta ends here, there is no more World Cup for Marta," said the forward, who has been dogged by injuries in the twilight of her career.

"I am grateful for the opportunity to have one more World Cup and very happy with what is happening with women's football in the world."

Coach Pia Sundhage said she expects Marta to carry on with her playing career "because she loves the sport".

But she pointedly added: "Whether she is good enough for the national team, let's see.

"I am going to look for good players so it will be harder for Marta. We need to be better than today."

Game growing

Marta knows there'll be critics who'll have plenty to say about Brazil's performance in Australia. She is also reassured there is enough support for women's soccer now to keep the game growing.

"Women's football doesn't end here. Women's football in Brazil doesn't end here," she said. "We need to understand this."

On the eve of what became her final World Cup game, Marta shed tears as she recalled what it was like two decades ago when she started out. She feels like she's leaving it in better shape for the next generation.

"I always said that the World Cup wasn't just about Marta, the World Cup belonged to the national team," she said. "We started it together and ended it together. Winning or losing, it makes no difference. I'll stay with the good times, with the work that's been done so far."

The Selecao started off strong in their tournament opener, beating Panama 4-0. They lost to France 2-1, setting up a must-win situation against Jamaica in their Group F finale.

Marta came off the bench in Brazil's first two group-stage matches but returned to the starting lineup against Jamaica. She was subbed off in the 81st minute, making way for a fresher, younger teammate to take up the challenge.

"She's a trailblazer for us women," Jamaica forward Cheyna Matthews said.

"I can't thank her enough. I hate that it had to be this way, but this is what she's been fighting for, is for us all to be able to play this game and play it well and get recognition."

Agencies