SAO PAULO: Brazil’s women, who had carried the nation’s football hopes through the first week of the Rio Olympic Games, were left empty-handed after losing the bronze medal play-off 2-1 to Canada in the Arena Corinthians writes CHRISTIAN RADNEDGE.

After a heartbreaking semi-final loss to Sweden on penalties on Tuesday, Marta and co were undone by goals from Deanne Rose and Canada captain Christine Sinclair in each half.

Beatriz scored with ten minutes remaining to provoke hopes of a comeback but it was too little too late for the hosts.

The Canadians, for whom Sinclair’s goal was a remarkable 165th in her 250th international, also struck the posts once in each half.

Victory meant Canada have won back to back bronze medals in the women’s football competition and goes some way to make up for their disappointing quarter-final exit on home soil a year ago in the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

For the hosts the match marked the last outing for star players Cristiane, Formiga and captain Marta after all had previously stated a desire to retire after the Games.

However coach Vadao said earlier this week he hoped the trio would reconsider their decision, fearing there were not enough players ready to step into their place.

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