The Women's Copa America in Ecuador ended with a thrilling final as Brazil edged Colombia in an eight-goal spectacle to win their ninth title but logistical challenges and half-empty stadiums showed the hurdles that face South American women's football.

QUITO, Aug 2 (Reuters) - Brazil successfully defended their Women's Copa America crown by defeating Colombia 5-4 in a shootout on Saturday to claim their ninth continental title after a roller-coaster final in Quito ended 4-4.

Brazil crowned champions of the AmericasLast night, Brazil managed to retain their title as champions of the Americas, once again lifting the Copa America Feminina after defeating Colombia (4-4, 5-4

QUITO (Reuters) -Brazil successfully defended their Women's Copa America crown with a thrilling 5-4 penalty shootout win over Colombia in Saturday's final in Quito, claiming their ninth continental title.

Six-time world player of the year Marta has led Brazil to their ninth Copa America Femenina title. On Saturday, she came off the bench to score twice, including an equalizer in stoppage time, as Brazil came from behind three times before winning the penalty shootout 5-4 against Colombia.

Unfortunately for Colombia, they have not had much success against Brazil. Colombia fell to Brazil, 1-0, in last year’s final, and has finished second to the powerhouse in three of the past four Copas Americas. Overall, Brazil is 11-2-0 against Colombia, with the two sides coming to a draw in the group stage.

Brazil triumphed over Colombia in the final to claim their fifth consecutive Copa America Femenina's title in 2025. However, unlike Lionel Messi’s Argentina, which secured $16 million in their 2024 men's tournament win,