Brazil legend Marta exited the pitch in tears after being sent off in her side’s 2-0 defeat by World Cup holders Spain which left them in danger of a group-stage exit in the women’s Olympic football tournament.
Marta was shown a straight red card in first-half stoppage time in Bordeaux for a rash and dangerous high tackle on Spain captain Olga Carmona right in front of the referee.
The 38-year-old was inconsolable as she walked off the pitch in what could turn out to be her final act at an Olympic Games.
The multiple winner of the FIFA women’s world player of the year award is appearing at her sixth Olympics and featured in the teams that won silver in 2004 and 2008.
Her hopes of appearing again in this tournament first depend on whether Brazil make it through to the quarter-finals.
Athenea del Castillo tapped in midway through the second half to put already-qualified Spain ahead, and Alexia Putellas curled in a beauty for the second goal in the 17th minute of an interminable amount of injury time.
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Spain’s third straight win in Group C means they will head to Lyon for a last-eight tie on Friday.
Japan finished second in the group after beating Nigeria 3-1 at the same time in Nantes, with Maika Hamano, Mina Tanaka and Hikaru Kitagawa scoring their goals, the latter from a fine free-kick.
Jennifer Echegini replied for Nigeria, who go home without a point.
Japan, silver medallists in 2012, will play their quarter-final in Marseille.
Brazil, who finish with three points, can still go through to the last eight as one of the two best third-placed sides in the three groups, but that depends on the outcome of Wednesday’s remaining matches.
Even if they do go through to the last eight, Marta would have to hope Brazil remain in the competition long enough for her to return after suspension.