Surprise call from Brazil for the Gold Cup: without Marta and without Cristiane

The Brazilian women’s soccer team will compete this month in the W Gold Cup 2024 in the United States without its emblematic facades Martha and Cristiane, according to the call released this Thursday by coach Arthur Elias. Star Marta, 37 years old and forward for the American Orlando Pride, and Cristiane, 38 and signed this year by Flamengo, are not on the list of 23 players.

Arthur Elias called up seven players for the first time: Amanda, Fluminense goalkeeper; Bia Menezes, São Paulo full-back; defenders Tarciane (Corinto) and Thaís Ferreira (Tenerife); Vitória Yaya, São Paulo midfielder) and Aline Gomes and Duda Santos, Ferroviária forwards.

The first edition of the Concacaf Women’s Gold Cup (Confederation of North, Central America and the Caribbean Football) will be held between February 20 and March 10 in four cities: San Diego, Carson and Los Angeles, in California, and Houston, Texas . Brazil are in group B with Colombia, Panama and the winner of the tie between Haiti and Puerto Rico, who will enter the qualifying phase in search of qualification and the winner will face Canarinha in their debut on February 21.

In their second match, on the 24th, Brazil will play against Colombia and on the 26th they will close their participation in the group stage against Panama. All first round matches will take place at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, California.

12 teams divided into three groups

The first stage of the Gold Cup will bring together 12 teams, divided into three groups and the tournament will serve as a preparation for the Paris Olympic Games, a tournament in which Brazil secured its place by winning the Copa América 2022. As in addition to Brazil, three other South American teams participated in the W Gold Cup as guests: Colombia, Argentina and Paraguay, all Copa América 2022 semifinalists.

Brazil’s roster consists of goalkeepers Letícia (Corinthians), Luciana (Ferroviária) and Amanda (Fluminense). As defenders there are Rafaelle (Orlando Pride/USA), Lauren (Kansas City/USA), Antonia (Levante/ESP), Tarciane and Yasmin (Corinthians), Thaís Ferreira (Tenerife/ESP) and Bia Menezes (São Paulo) .

There are also midfielders Ary Borges (Racing Louisville/USA), Aline Milene (São Paulo), Duda Sampaio and Vitória Yaya (Corinthians) and Julia Bianchi (Chicago Red Stars/USA). The roster is completed by forwards Duda Santos and Aline Gomes (Ferroviária), Adriana (Orlando Pride/USA), Geyse (Manchester United/ING), Bia Zaneratto and Debinha (Kansas City/USA), Gabi Nunes (Levante/ESP) and Gabi Portilho (Corinthians).