Once again, Brazil’s hopes in a major tournament rest upon being able to defeat France, something the women’s team has never done in 12 meetings. To make matters worse, this isn’t simply about getting into the semifinals and having a legit shot at a medal: Marta’s senseless red card against Spain in the final group game could very well have been her last act at an Olympics or World Cup—unless, without her, Brazil can somehow get a result that has eluded them for literal decades.

I don’t think it’s going to happen. Brazil haven’t been one of the top sides in the women’s game since at least 2011, and since then they’ve rarely even looked like they could seriously threaten an upset. Even when they’ve managed to go toe-to-toe with better teams, or even just scrape open a surprise lead, finishing or defending always seem to let them down. (A recent example: the stoppage-time collapse against Japan.)

But there’s nothing wrong with hoping.

Brazil vs. France

Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes, France, August 3, 2024

Kickoff: 3:00 PM EDT / 4:00 PM BRT / 7:00 PM GMT

US TV/streaming: Peacock