Formiga, the Brazilian Maestra

• FIFA.com, Monday, September 24, 2007 4:15 PM

One of the unsung players on the Brazil tea that has won all four games at the Women's World Cup is 29-year-old Formiga, a veteran of the W-League (Jersey Sky Blue and New Jersey Wildcats). On a team with such attacking stars as Marta and Cristiane, it's easy to get lost, but Formiga has been outstanding as the Cararinhas' holding midfielder.

"That's very true, but they leave me to do all the marking further back," she joked with FIFA.com. "That means I have to work twice as hard, as I not only have to keep them supplied with balls, I also have to contain the opposition and help out the defenders and goalkeeper."

One thing Formiga, who broke into the senior national in 1995, is serious about is the lack of support for women's soccer in Brazil. "We are overturning preconceptions, but we still have a long way to go," she said. "At present, it's very difficult for players to stay match fit. Their only option is to play indoor football or organize games with their friends locally."

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