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Marta delivers impassioned speech after France knock Brazil out of Women’s World Cup


Marta was defiant in defeat after Brazil were eliminated from the Women’s World Cup (Picture: Fox Sports)

Brazil star Marta delivered an impassioned speech to the country’s next generation of players after her side were knocked out of the Women’s World Cup by hosts France.

France forward Valerie Gauvin slotted home Kadidiatou Diani’s inviting cross to break the deadlock just after half-time before Thaisa equalised to take the last-16 clash to extra-time.

The game looked to be heading towards a penalty shootout, but Amandine Henry got on the end of Amel Majri’s free-kick in the 106th minute and France held onto their 2-1 lead to reach the quarter-finals and break Brazilian hearts.

Marta, the all-time leading goalscorer at World Cups, was overflowing with emotion following the match and gave an impromptu rallying cry to Brazil’s youngsters after being eliminated at the last-16 stage in back-to-back tournaments.

‘It’s about wanting more,’ the 33-year-old attacker told Fox Sports. 

‘It’s training more. It’s taking care of yourself more. It’s about being ready to play 90 plus 30 minutes.

‘This is what I ask of the girls.

The Orlando Pride striker added: ‘There’s not going to be a Formiga forever.

‘There’s not going to be a Marta forever. There’s not going to be Cristiane.

‘The women’s game depends on you to survive. So think about that. Value it more.

‘Cry in the beginning so you can smile in the end.’

Gauvin scored the winning goal for France (Picture: Getty)

France coach Corinne Diacre admitted there was major room for improvement in her side’s performance against a ‘tough’ Brazil side.

‘We did what we needed to do tonight but it wasn’t easy,’ Diacre said.

‘Brazil were very tough and gave us a real run for our money, even in extra-time. Fortunately we were able to pull it out of the bag.

‘We weren’t at our best – I felt I didn’t recognise my team out there. I told the players to start having fun out there, enjoy the game, and to be a bit more patient when they were on the ball. And that’s what we saw in the second half.

‘We’re going to be watching the Spain-USA game very closely now and looking forward to the quarter-finals.’

Marta called on Brazil’s next generation to step up following the defeat (Picture: Getty)

Brazil boss Vadao defended his players after their elimination and urged veterans Marta and Cristiane to stay on with the national side.

‘The entire match was incredible. I think we’ve played four very good matches at this tournament and losing is just part of football,’ he said.

‘But we made it difficult for France. We equalised and had a chance to go ahead, but we were never going to boss the game for the entire match because these teams are the best in the world.

‘Players like Marta and Cristiane should be playing for a few more years yet.’

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