Colodetti: It’s an honour to wear the Brazil shirt – we are focused on our goal

The Brazilian women’s beach soccer selection is full of many of the most elite athletes in the sport.

One of them, Barbara Colodetti, spoke to BSWW ahead of the maiden edition of the Women’s Intercontinental Cup, which is set to kick off at the in the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup venue at the Luzhniki Stadium on Friday 13 August.

The Brazilian national team was only formed in the second half of 2019, but their relative lack of experience on the international stage is not an issue. “We are prepared and confident of performing well in the competition. We are going in hard for the title.”

At the same time there is a respect for their rivals (Spain, USA and hosts Russia) some of the top beach soccer nations in the women’s game. “We know it will be a competition of the highest level, and we recognise the quality of the other teams. We will not have any easy games, but we are prepared for the big matches.”

The Brazilian number seven, who is no stranger to playing in Russia as she represented former European champions Zvezda in this season’s national championships. “The experience was amazing. I had already played for Zvezda in 2019 and I’m back now. It is always a pleasure to be part of this team and to compete in such a well-organised championship, which has been growing every year. However, it is always an honour to wear the Brazilian national team shirt. We know the responsibility we carry and we are focused on our goal.”

In terms of the teams and individuals the Canarinho will face, Colodetti knows her opponents well, having met many of them at club level, as well as at the World Beach Games in Qatar in 2019.

“Russia has a very strong, well-disciplined team. I would highlight my teammates from Zvezda: Chern, and goalkeepers Anna and Silina. On top of that Sheva and Bychkova are dangerous. Spain are a tight-knit group, and have been playing together for a long time. I would single out Miron, Sara Tui and Fresneda as the main threats, and I believe that the US is also becoming stronger and stronger, I’d say Leslie, Hall and Quigley are their top players.”

Despite the calibre of the three national teams that they will face, Colodetti reiterates the confidence she has in herself and her team, as well as her hopes for where the sport is heading in the future. “Our expectations are high. I believe it will be an amazing event and hopefully an important step towards a Women’s Beach Soccer World Championship.”

The Women’s Intercontinental Beach Soccer Cup will take place from the 13-15 August in the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup stadium, featuring four of the best teams from across the globe.

All matches will be streamed live on beachsoccer.com.