She’d already scored five goals in the World Cup before the semifinal. She’d won 2006 FIFA World Player of the Year off the back of impressive performances in European club play. While Marta became a household name in that moment, she was already well-known inside women’s soccer. “That was one of those moments where as an opposition player you were devastated because it was likely our worst loss in the history of the national team, but on the other side, recognizing that you just saw a glimpse of brilliance,” recalls Heather O’Reilly, who started the match for the USWNT. When Whitehill finally recovered her balance, Marta’s shot was already past goalkeeper Brianna Scurry. Whitehill, a world class defender who finished her career with 134 national team caps, missed her tackle by more than a foot and stumbled. But by the time Whitehill stuck her foot out for a challenge, Marta was already taking the ball in the opposite direction. By the time she realized she should just pull Marta’s shirt, it was too late, and the Brazilian was a step past her.īravely, Cat Whitehill stepped up to Marta. She’d almost certainly never had an attacker try it on her. Modern defenders have since learned to react to this by committing a hard foul, but Ellertson had no frame of reference. With a magical second touch, Marta flicked the ball over Ellertson’s left shoulder while spinning in the opposite direction. Marta’s first touch popped the ball up in the air, and the entire American defense stopped to watch. She had her back turned to American defender Tina Ellertson, who appeared to be in good position. In the 79th minute of the match, Marta received the ball 30 yards away from goal.
There was little for Brazil to do in the second half except show off, and Marta could never resist an opportunity like that.
Marta was the best player on the pitch from whistle to whistle, and the match was effectively over at halftime when, already down two goals, USWNT midfielder Shannon Boxx was red carded. The 2007 World Cup semifinal between Brazil and the United States was one of world soccer’s greatest butt-whoopings.
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