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Five-time World Player of the Year Marta believes that Brazil women's soccer team have the strength to fight back to the top of the world although they have been through some bad moments.
Brazil, the traditional powerhouse, have slipped to the ninth place in the world ranking of FIFA. But they dominated the ongoing international four-nation tournament with two straight victories in Yongchuan, Chongqing, China.
"It's part of football. We sometimes have good and bad moments," said Marta on Saturday, when she scored a brace in the heavy rain to help Brazil beat DPR Korea 2-0 in the second round of the tournament.
"We have been through some bad moments but we will fight to get back in the top of ranking." added the captain.
Brazil is now coached by Oswaldo Fumeiro Alavarez, who took the job in his second spell with the team after his Rio Olympic show. But some players have been reportedly chose to leave the national team.
"I think it is a very delicate subject. Now we are in this tournament. It's not a main subject that we need to talk," said Marta.
"But I think that all players are important. We hope that they want to come back. The national team is open for everyone. We need everyone."
Marta, a 31-year-old veteran still looking fresh in shape, was the top scorer so far with three goals in the tournament. She also scored in the opening match on Thursday when Brazil whitewashed Mexico 3-0.
"I am a player that I take care very much of myself physically. Our motivation are in many subjects," said she.
"We have very good new players coming in the national team. And we see how we are important for them in the national team in women's soccer. So this motivated us a lot."
In the match against DPR Korea on Saturday, Marta showed her value not only by goals but also with experiences.
Beatriz Zaneratto Joao, who started as the central forward in the 4-2-3-1 formation, frequently changed position with the second striker behind her, Marta. Joao played wide in the 30th minute and delivered a left-side cross to the area, assisting Marta to score the second with a low shot.
On their chemistry, Marta said: "We have this liberty to play directed by our coach. We just keep changing when we think it is good. It depends on the situation of the game."
On why she cheered the goal even with everyone on the bench, Marta said :"I think it's important to celebrate each goal together. Because we work together and it doesn't matter who is playing. As we did it in the first match, we celebrate it with everyone so we said we will do it until the end of this tournament."
Brazil will play against China on next Tuesday. Marta last played here against the Chinese team at the 2007 World Cup.
"And when I was here for the first time I was just 21, but I could do everything." said Marta, referring to her "Golden Boot" trophy with seven goals.
"I know very little about Chinese team. But I remember at that time -- 2007 World Cup and 2008 Olympics, it was a good time for the national team here. They have very good players and they played very well."
(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)
