Brazil retain Women's Copa America crown

QUITO, Aug 03 (Reuters): Brazil successfully defended their Women's Copa America crown by defeating Colombia 5-4 in a shootout on Saturday to

claim their ninth continental title after a roller-coaster final in Quito ended 4-4.

The decider at the Estadio Rodrigo Paz Delgado saw Colombia take the lead three times, only for Brazil to respond on each occasion.

Brazil great Marta forced extra time with a late equaliser and the veteran struck again in the 105th minute to seemingly seal victory. But a resilient Colombia found yet another equaliser to send the encounter to penalties, where Brazil's experience ultimately prevailed.

"I think women's soccer has been growing

a lot. I think the trend is for it to be more competitive. Everyone here deserved a match like this. Congratulations to Colombia too," Brazil's Amanda Gutierres said.

"This means a lot. I think it's Brazil's job. It's that mentality of never giving up. That's a source of pride for Brazil."

Both teams created early chances but the breakthrough came in the 25th minute when Colombia's Linda Caicedo capped off a tidy passing move with a composed low finish from close range.

Brazil got the equaliser in the dying moments of the first half when

Angelina stepped up to calmly convert a penalty after VAR confirmed a foul by Jorelyn Carabali on Gio Garbelini.