The No 10 now acts as a source of support and inspiration for the younger players in the group and Sundhage often makes a point of praising the now 37-year-old superstar. The team no longer rely so heavily on the legendary trio of Marta, Cristiane, and Formiga, with only Marta in the squad for this tournament. “I’m there for whatever she needs,” said Borges. Antônia, Kathellen and Ary Borges, for example, all played in multiple positions. Perhaps unencumbered by the pressure felt by previous teams, this young group went unbeaten in claiming the 2022 Copa América, with their versatility a key asset. But a new generation under Pia Sundhage are optimistic that this time can be different. The team were beaten finalists in 2007 but have disappointed in the tournaments since, falling at the quarter-final stage in 2011 and the last 16 in 20.

Photograph: Phil Noble/Reutersīrazil enter the tournament still searching for their first world title. Marta, one of the great stars of the game.