Brazil fell 1-0 to the United States, who were crowned champions of the first Gold Cup of women’s football. Lindsey Horan, captain of the host team, was the author of the only goal of the night in a packed Snapdragon stadium in San Diego, California.
Arthur Elias’ team arrived at the decisive match with a 100% effectiveness after winning the previous five games of the tournament. On the contrary, the Americans had an irregular path, losing to Mexico in the group stage and going through penalties after drawing with Canada in the semifinals.
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Despite that, prior to the match, the encounter had a special ingredient with the confrontation between the last winners of the Copa America against the current winners of the CONCACAF Women’s Championship. Both teams have a long history of duels, including the two North American victories in the finals of the 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games.
Brazil controlled the ball in the first half but without generating many clear goal-scoring opportunities. The clearest chance came from a mistake by goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, who ended up giving away the ball after a mix-up, although forward Gabi Nunes couldn’t take advantage, and her shot went high.
The hosts struck close to halftime with a cross into the area and a great header by Horan. It was the third goal for the midfielder from Olympique de Lyon.
The entries of Geyse and Debinha gave a better dynamic to Canarinha in the second half, but without endangering the hosts, who celebrated wildly when the final whistle blew.
