Last night’s USWNT friendly was anything but, as the US edged out Brazil 1-0 in a wild, choppy, and chaotic clash that saw eight red-card ejections.
The Fortaleza showdown tallied 28 fouls, including more than 10 yellow cards. Brazil coach Arthur Elias, members of his staff, and As Canarinhas stars Bia Zaneratto, Tarciane, Kerolin, and Ludmila all earned reds.
It also marked the first US win over Brazil on Brazilian soil since 1997, after forward Sophia Wilson forced a 63rd-minute own goal for her second contribution in as many games.
After a week of chippy football and packed stadiums, the USWNT should leave with a better feel for the 2027 World Cup’s expected conditions — though they didn’t exactly charm the tournament’s host country.
“It’s a huge lack of respect, both from the refereeing and from their players,” Brazil midfielder Angelina said of the tense environment. “One of the USWNT players gave an interview saying it was a really nice atmosphere. But on the field, she was saying we were trash, that we didn’t know how to play football.”
“My job is to be a role model for my players,” said US coach Emma Hayes. “I can only talk about my behavior, and my behavior was good.”
