Marta Selected for Brazil World Cup Squad for the Sixth Time

Marta Selected for Brazil's World Cup Squad for the Sixth Time

Rio de Janeiro - Six-time FIFA World Player of the Year, Marta, has been named in Brazil's squad for the World Cup for the sixth time. The 37-year-old forward was included in the roster by national coach Pia Sundhage for the tournament taking place from July 20th to August 20th in Australia and New Zealand.

Marta made her comeback in February after a one-year absence due to a knee injury. However, she missed Brazil's 2-1 victory over the German national team in a friendly match in April in Nuremberg due to a thigh injury.

Brazil could potentially face Germany in the Round of 16 at the World Cup, led by coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg. In the group stage, the South American champions will face Panama, France, and Jamaica. Marta was a runner-up in the 2007 World Cup with the Brazilian national team and won silver at the 2004 and 2008 Olympics.

"Marta is a queen, an icon," said Swedish coach Sundhage. "She has a lot of energy. I have said it several times before, when it comes to the front line, she is one of the best." Marta is also the all-time leading goal scorer in World Cup history with 17 goals, surpassing former Frankfurt player Birgit Prinz, who scored 14 goals in five tournaments.