Almost two months ago, Pia Sundhage was presented as the national team captain for the Brazilian women's team, as the first foreigner ever, and a month later she got a dream start via 5-0 against the arch-rivals Argentina.
Sundhage, including double Olympic gold with the USA on the track record, has experienced a lot during his long career. But now that Brazil, led by right-wing extremist Jair Bolsonaro, has become Brazilian alliance, she sees as important.
But some opinions about Bolsonaro she does not want to share.
- I think a lot, but I do not officially think, if you say so. The fact that I am here and have had the chance to say yes to this job, is like a statement. They have had the courage to hire a foreigner who is also a woman. And my first days here I saw many men. Nowadays, the Football Association has hired more girls as U-League captains.
- So I really feel that people expect a change, not only on the football field but also a little neighbor in society, that women can take their place. I get many cheers that they wish the Brazilian women's team to succeed.