In Poland, Brazil’s route through the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup has been carried forward by a 17-year-old goalkeeper with roots stretching across three countries. Thaís Lima saved the opening United States penalty in a shootout victory that sent Camilla Orlando’s side into the quarter-finals.
Brazil reach the last eight through penalties
- Brazil and the United States drew 1-1 in their Under-20 Women’s World Cup last-16 tie on Wednesday 16, with neither side finding a winner in extra time.
- The contest went to penalties, where Brazil converted all five attempts and won the shootout 5-4.
- Thaís Lima made the decisive intervention on the United States’ first kick, diving to her right to turn away Adams’ effort.
- The Brazilian goalkeeper’s save secured a place in the quarter-finals after a demanding match in which Brazil had to withstand sustained pressure.
“I am still shaking because it is such a huge emotion,” Thaís said after the match. “Everyone works every day and we deserved this. It was a war, a battle. We suffered, but the team knew how to suffer. That penalty save belongs to the whole team, because they are always helping me.”
A goalkeeper shaped by Portugal and Brazil
Thaís has already been one of Brazil’s prominent performers during the tournament. She plays her club football for Benfica and was born in Portugal to a Brazilian father and an Angolan mother who holds Portuguese nationality.
Before opting to represent Brazil, she played through Portugal’s youth international sides from Under-15 to Under-19 level. Her choice of Brazil, together with her performances in the age-group teams, later brought a senior call-up from coach Arthur Elias for 2025 friendlies against England and Italy.
Spain await in the quarter-finals
The next round could give Thaís a meeting with the country of her birth. Brazil will face Spain, who beat Portugal 2-0 on the same Wednesday to advance.
Brazil’s quarter-final is scheduled for Saturday 19 at 13:30.
SEO Title: Thaís Lima penalty save sends Brazil into Under-20 World Cup quarter-finals
SEO Description: Benfica goalkeeper Thaís Lima saved in the shootout as Brazil beat the United States 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, setting up an Under-20 World Cup quarter-final against Spain.
