This Sunday, December 22, 2024, women’s football fans will flock to the Estádio do Canindé, São Paulo, for the final of the Brazil Ladies Cup, featuring Bahia taking on Grêmio. Set to kick off at 16:00, the championship clash not only signals the end of the season but also highlights the dynamic growth of women’s football across Brazil.
Bahia enters the final after showcasing dominant performances throughout the tournament. With an impressive 77% success rate, they secured victories against Avaí Kindermann and the Paraguayan national team, alongside one draw against Pumas from Mexico. Their performance came on the back of having won the Série A-2 of the Brasileirão, which earned them promotion to the elite level of Brazilian women’s football.
The Bahia team, managed by Felipe Freitas, is expected to feature Yanne, Dan, Aila, and Mila Santos among others, as they strive to crown their successful season with a trophy from the Ladies Cup.
On the other hand, Grêmio reached the final under controversy when their semi-final match against River Plate was marred by racial abuse incidents. The match ended 1-1, allowing Grêmio to qualify for the finals after River Plate had six players ejected due to these regrettable incidents. Grêmio’s coach, Thaissan Passos, will lead her squad, including players like Vivi Holzel, Dani Barão, and others, hoping to channel the turbulence of their recent matches positively as they vie for the championship.
While the tragic events surrounding the qualifying match cast a shadow on festival-like surroundings of the finals, they also served as a catalyst for renewed discussions about discrimination and respect within sports. River Plate condemned the behavior of their players, asserting their commitment to eradicative racial prejudice from the sport and promising swift disciplinary measures.
River Plate’s official social media account reflected their stance, stating: “River Plate manifests its absolute repudiation of the discriminatory gestures occurring during the match against Grêmio for the Brazil Ladies Cup 2024. We are already taking the correct disciplinary measures and will continue to work to eradicate such behaviors.” Their statement resonates with the effort of organizers who will amplify anti-racism sentiments throughout the final.
Meanwhile, broadcasting the final will be the major sports networks—Band, BandSports, and SporTV, alongside streaming services like Canal GOAT, allowing fans to rally around their favorite teams as they fight for glory.
Bringing together the utmost talents and fervent ambitions of each participating team, the Brazil Ladies Cup final promises to be more than just another match; it encapsulates the heart and spirit of women's football, along with powerful messages of unity and respect.
With the stage set and the anticipation soaring high, both Bahia and Grêmio players are ready to put their skills and determination to the test. The outcome will be pivotal, not only awarding the coveted title but also serving as precedent for upcoming competitions. Fans across the country are set to witness history as these two teams clash on the pitch.
Let the game begin!
