Brazil legend Marta leaves the pitch in tears as the iconic forward sees red for a 'KARATE' kick in possible Olympic farewell - as Selecao fall to 2-0 defeat by Spain
- Marta Viera was shown a straight red during Brazil's 2-0 Olympic loss to Spain
- Her high-footed tackle almost connected with Spain's Olga Carmona's head
- The forward is the country's all-time leading scorer with 117 international goals
Brazil's legendary striker Marta left the pitch in tears after being shown a straight red during her country's 2-0 defeat by Spain in the Olympic women's football tournament.
Marta's high-footed tackled was extremely close to connecting with Spain's left-back, Olga Carmona, but the referee still adjudged it to be reckless and dangerous, giving the Brazilian her marching orders in injury time in the first half.
Brazil were facing-off against Spain in an Olympic group stage game in Bordeaux, and their defeat means the Selecao's hopes of reaching the knockout stages are hanging by a thread.
The challenge caused a stir on social media, with one viewer reposting a replay of the tackle, saying it was more akin 'to a karate kick'.
The teams were level when Marta was sent off, but Spain scored in the 68th minute, before sealing their victory in the 17th minute of second-half injury time – a huge extension after multiple injuries marred the latter stages of the game.
Brazilian legend Marta left the pitch in tears after seeing red in an Olympic group match
The 38-year-old striker made a dangerous high-footed challenge on Spain's Olga Carmona
Brazil lost 2-0 to Spain, damaging their hopes of progression in the women's tournament
The 38-year-old striker is set to retire from international football this year, so it's likely she'll be sore from the ignominy of a red card, as it deprives her of valuable game time towards the end of her career.
Still, the moment of madness will do little to sully her international legacy. Marta is Brazil's all-time leading scorer in both the men's or women's game.
She is also the top scorer in any World Cup, notching 17 goals in 23 appearances across six tournaments, in a career that has spanned more than 20 years.
Marta is also a two-time Olympic silver medallist, finishing runner-up to the USA in in Athens 2004 and Beijing in 2008, on both occasions.
