Ranking Marta’s Top 5 Greatest Goals in the FIFA Women’s World Cup

• Marta scored two wonder goals against the United States in the 2007 semi-finals
• She displayed her dribbling skills in her goals against New Zealand and Norway
• Marta scored another great goal against the USA in the 2011 quarter-finals

Marta is undoubtedly the greatest female footballer of all time.

She holds the record for most goals scored in the Women’s World Cup, with 17 across five editions.

Sports Brief looks at the Brazilian forward’s five greatest goals in the showpiece event.

1. Brazil vs. USA (2007, 4-0)

Marta loves playing against the United States. That was evident in the 2007 World Cup semi-final when she scored a pair of wonder goals for Brazil in their 4-0 win against the Americans.

She showed the fans in Hangzhou all her talent in the 79th minute, producing a moment of brilliance to complete the four-goal rout.

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The Brazilian forward faked around American defender, Tina Ellertson off the left wing, leaving her behind with a stupendous flick that drew gasps from the crowd.

She then made her way into the penalty box, where defender Cat Whitehill lay in wait.

Marta is known for her thunderous left foot, so Whitehill positioned herself to deny that shooting angle.

She was caught by surprise, though, when Marta suddenly shifted the ball to her right foot.

That quick change of direction gave her enough space to deliver a crisp finish past American goalkeeper Briana Scurry for Brazil’s fourth and final goal.

2. Brazil vs. USA (2007, 2-0)

Marta’s genius was there for all to see in the 27th minute of Brazil’s semis game against the United States in the 2007 World Cup.

She took on over half of USA’s lineup by herself, evading six American players before firing a left-footed shot from 15 yards out that beat a diving Scurry on her near post.

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Brazil doubled their advantage with that strike, and that was the moment they knew the Americans’ 51-match unbeaten run was finally ending.

3. Brazil vs. New Zealand (2007, 5-0)

Marta showed the power of her left foot in Brazil’s 5-0 win over New Zealand.

Marta’s second goal of the game was a thing of beauty, with the Brazilian forward receiving a pass from midfield with a deft first touch at the edge of the box.

She evaded two New Zealand defenders as she dribbled inside the box before firing a left-foot shot past the goalkeeper into the bottom corner in the 93rd minute to complete the five-goal rout for Brazil.

4. Brazil vs. Norway (2011, 1-0)

Marta delivered another piece of magic in Brazil’s 3-0 win over Norway in the 2011 Women’s World Cup.

She went on a mazing run in the 22nd minute after receiving a perfect through ball down the right flank.

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There was no stopping Marta with that open space, as she dribbled past two defenders before uncorking a shot past goalkeeper, Ingrid Hjelmseth for Brazil’s opening goal.

5. Brazil vs. USA (2011, 2-1)

Marta reminded the Americans of her brilliance when she scored another wonder goal against them in the 2011 Women’s World Cup quarterfinals.

She struck a perfect half-volley off a cross from the left flank, with her shot attempt hitting Hope Solo’s far post before finding the back of the net.

That goal gave Brazil a 2-1 lead in the first half of extra time, per Bleacher Report. Unfortunately for them, the United States grabbed an equalizer in the 122nd minute and eventually won 5-3 in penalties.

FIFA Women's World Cup debutants

Sports Brief recently reported on the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup debutants.

Eight teams will be making their maiden appearances in the showpiece event.

They are Haiti, Zambia, Portugal, the Republic of Ireland, Morocco, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Panama.