Lelê shines with crucial saves as Brazil win FIFA Series title

With key saves, Lelê was crucial as Brazil won the FIFA SeriesCredits: Buda Mendes – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

Goalkeeper Lelê shone on Saturday night (18) as Brazil claimed the FIFA Series title, making important saves in the final against Canada. Near the end of the match, Brazil was down to 10 players after midfielder Ary Borges was sent off and came under repeated Canadian pressure.

The opponents’ attacks only failed thanks to the Brazilian keeper, who was crucial in stopping Canadian shots in the 41st and 50th minutes of the second half and keeping the score at 1-0 — Aline Gomes scored the title-winning goal.

With the trophy secured, Lelê celebrated the achievement, revealed in an interview that she had been dealing with “depression” in recent times, and said she would remain available to guard Brazil’s goal for as long as “her body holds up.”

Lelê during the Brazilian national anthem before the FIFA Series match between Brazil and CanadaCredits: Lívia Villas Boas/CBF

“It’s incredibly rewarding, I’m so happy. Besides the injury, I went through depression, which many people don’t know about. And being here, able to do what I love most, is impossible to explain. I’m very emotional. The only thing I think about is stepping onto the field and giving my best for the Brazil National Team at every moment of my career, for as long as I can and my body holds up.”

A 2018 Copa América champion and called up for the 2023 World Cup, the 31-year-old player from Rio de Janeiro, one of the leaders of the squad selected by coach Arthur Elias, highlighted the importance of the fans to the team’s success as Brazil looks ahead to the 2027 World Cup on home soil — with the win over Canada, Brazil reached 10 games unbeaten in matches played in the country.

“Being able to play at home, with our fans, already getting a taste of what the World Cup will be like and finishing with the title (the FIFA Series) is incredibly rewarding.”

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.