USWNT humiliated by Brazil in their own backyard | OneFootball

The Brazilian women's national team registered a historic win by beating the United States 2-1 in San Jose, California. It was the second match between the two teams in a few days. In the first match, the Americans had emerged 2-0 winners in Inglewood. On this occasion, Brazil scored a stoppage-time goal and posted its first-ever win on U.S. soil against the world's top team. Before that, Brazil lost all 11 previous matches in the United States.

The game started on a scare for the Brazilian side. Just 34 seconds had passed when Catarina Macario put the USWNT ahead. It was the seventh-fastest goal in the whole US women's national team history. It was initiated by Alyssa Thompson, who broke through from midfield, came into the box, and shot. Brazilian goalkeeper Natascha could not hold it, and Macario scored from close range after the rebound.

Macario was born in Brazil and moved to the United States at age 12. She scored this goal at the very same stadium that she last appeared for Stanford University in 2019. It was also her first against Brazil and tenth overall with the U.S. national team.

Brazil fights back and holds off despite early goal

United States v Brazil - International Friendly | Brad Smith/ISI Photos/USSF/GettyImages

In spite of the tough start, Brazil stayed tranquil. The team kept its equilibrium, progressed, and created firm opportunities within the first half. Three times, from the 19th to the 22nd minutes, they nearly equalized. And straight away following that, in the 24th minute, they scored.

Gio started the buildup that ended with the Brazilian goal. She won the ball in midfield, pushed away from her marker, and played to Kerolin, who ran onto the left side of the box and finished with style, hitting the ball high above the head of goalkeeper Mandy McGlynn.

That equalizer gave a boost to Brazil. The team kept on creating, mostly down the left flank, and managed to stem most of the U.S. attacks for the balance of the half. The defense also sparkled, with Isa Haas clearing the ball off the goal line and Natascha posting a vital save a short time later.

Brazil gains the advantage in the second half

Following the break, Brazil took control. The team controlled the tempo and attacked with greater vigor. Gio, Luany, Portilho, and Kerolin were the main plays. At one move, the ball struck a U.S. defender and hit the crossbar with a hard bounce. At another move, Portilho got a gentle touch from Yasmim's cross and the ball floated a little over the post.

In their second close call, Gio tried to feed Kerolin inside the box, but the U.S. defense stepped in just in time. The U.S. only had one real chance in the second half, at the 35th minute. That showed how Brazil shut down defensively in that segment.

Despite the score line, Brazil did not give in. They continued to press for the victory, mounting pressure and volume in their attacks. Gabi Portilho too was presented with a golden opportunity in the 39th minute following a smooth move within the box, but her last shot went wide.

Brazil kept pushing till the last whistle. In the 40th minute, Kerolin fired hard, the U.S. goalie yielded a rebound, and Luany nearly scored off it. The persistence was rewarded at stoppage time.

Arthur Elias introduced two late subs: Jheniffer and Amanda Gutierres came on for Gio and Gabi Portilho. Three minutes later, the offense finally got going. Luany outmuscled a defender down the right, broke into space, and crossed to Amanda, who was isolated in the center of the box. She finished with her left foot and sealed the 2-1 comeback win.

It was Brazil's fifth-ever triumph over the United States in history. The last ones were all either at home or in neutral-site tournaments: 1-0 in São Paulo in 1997, 5-0 at the Pan Am Games in Rio and 4-0 at the 2007 World Cup in China, and 3-2 in Brasília in 2014. This one was the first, though, on American soil.

United States v Brazil - International Friendly | Eakin Howard/GettyImages

Brazil's team effort is highlighted, while USWNT emphasizes youth

Brazil's performance was remarkable because it was cohesive. Although conceding early, the team was grounded and surpassed the U.S. for much of the game. The players showed tenacity, discipline, and motivation, especially in the second half, when they kept the USWNT from doing anything positive. Arthur Elias's work with the team is now finally paying tangible dividends in high-level matches.

On the United States' side, the team was very young. The starting line-up contained the smallest average number of caps in the past 24 years. Emily Sonnett and Korbin Albert were the only players who had appeared in the previous game between the teams at the Paris Olympics.

Coach Emma Hayes has stated that developing young players is a priority after gold-winning. The match against Brazil was a tough test to give international experience to players who are still finding their feet at this level.