Rio de Janeiro (AFP) – Brazil named star playmaker Marta, known as “Pele in skirts,” and veteran defender Formiga to its Olympic women’s team Tuesday.
Marta, 30, is a key figure not just in Brazil but women’s football in general. She was selected five times (2006-2010) as world player of the year.
Formiga, 38, is the only player to have taken part in each women’s tournament since football was made an Olympic sport in 1996.
The team headed by coach Vadao is seeking its first major title following disappointment in the World Cup final in 2007 and at the 2004 and 2008 Olympics.
Brazil will meet China, Sweden and South Africa in the first round.
Brazil:
Goalkeepers: Barbara, Aline
Defenders: Monica, Rafaelle, Bruna Benites, Erika, Fabiana, Poliana, Tamires
Midfield: Formiga, Thaisa, Andressinha, Marta
Strikers: Debinha, Cristiane, Andressa Alves, Bia Zaneratto, Raquel
Reserves: Luciana, Camila, Darlene, Thais Guedes
