After thrashing Argentina 4-1 last time out, a game against United States was perhaps going to be the toughest test for the Brazil women’s team. Sadly, they could not take it to the current world champions when both sides met on Sunday night.
Both goals for United States came at decisive periods. The opener came just in the 11th minute via while the second goal came only two minutes from time.
Brazil started the game badly and all the signs written on the wall pointed to an early goal to be conceded. The pressure from the Americans saw them all over the place so much that they already had four attempts at goal within the first ten minutes. Lynn, Rose Lavelle and Williams all had chances to open the scoring early on.
Christen Press then finally opened the scoring in the 11th minute after getting the better of Bruna Benitez before she fired home. The first half ended with USA 1-0 leaders at the break.
Brazil came out better in the second half and dominated more of the play. Debinha even came close to grabbing the equalizer twice but could not convert her chances.
If there was any hope of a late equalizer, it was soon killed off. Megan Rapinoe who had only been on the pitch for 16 minutes put the game beyond doubt with a goal in the 88th minute.
The defeat was Brazil’s second in 15 games under Pia Sundhage.
For the SheBelieves competition, 36-game unbeaten United States have now recorded their second victory in the tournament. If they draw with Argentina on Wednesday, they could be crowned winners of the competition.
Also on Wednesday, Brazil will face Canada for their third game of the campaign and would be hoping to end it on a high.
For Brazil, the biggest takeouts from the defeat to United States is a much better defense and efficiency in attack moving forward.
