Spain forward Jenni Hermoso has said Brazil “don’t play football” as a war of words between players of both teams erupted following Tuesday’s semifinal.
Brazil stunned the world champions Spain 4-2 and will face the United States in the gold medal showdown in Paris on Saturday.
“We conceded four goals from a team that, for me, doesn’t play football,” a frustrated Hermoso said after the game.
While Hermoso admitted her team “did not play well,” she added: “They [Brazil] study us, they know how to hurt us, play off our backs. That’s not football to me.
“I don’t like that kind of football. Obviously, they win minutes, they make you lose time, and for them, that was worth it. They’re in the final, and we’re going for bronze.”
Prior to the encounter, Spain’s Aitana Bonmatí had spoken of her surprise at how defensive-minded Brazil had been in their meeting earlier in the tournament, that Spain won 2-0.
Brazil star Kerolin was unimpressed by the comments made by Ballon d’Or winner Bonmatí and said after Tuesday’s game: “She [Bonmatí] was a little unhappy before the match, saying that Brazil plays badly, holding the game back a lot.
“It doesn’t matter, we did our part, keeping our feet on the ground, listening to what the opponents say, only gives us motivation to do different. Let’s celebrate the medal that’s coming. We want gold.”