The United States beat Brazil 1-0 Tuesday at Arena Castelão in Fortaleza in a match marked by unprecedented disorder, according to the report. Brazil received eight red cards in the contest, two shown after the final whistle and moments before police in riot gear surrounded the referees.
The victory ended a long run without a win on Brazilian soil for the U.S., a streak that dated back to 1997 and included a 2-1 defeat three days earlier, according to the report. The result provided a test of resilience that the report described as valuable preparation for next year’s World Cup at the same venue.
The game devolved into the physical style Brazil’s head coach, Arthur Elias, sought, and it ultimately backfired for the hosts, according to the report. Four coaches, including Elias, were sent off; two players received red cards during regulation, one after defender Tarciane swung at U.S. forward Sophia Wilson; and two additional players were dismissed after the final whistle in a mass confrontation.
Emma Hayes responded by selecting a “tougher” lineup, with Avery Patterson and Michelle Cooper starting after each had influenced the match three days earlier, and both played the full 90 minutes, according to the report. Cooper began on the wing and shifted to fullback in the second half. The match’s lone goal came in the 63rd minute when Wilson’s shot was ruled an own goal following a deflection off Brazil defender Isabela Chagas.
Brazil goalkeeper Lorena produced several key saves, denying Wilson and Trinity Rodman from inside the six-yard box, while Olivia Moultrie hit the post and Rose Lavelle missed a one-on-one opportunity, the report noted. The U.S. struggled to finish clear chances, a lingering concern heading into next year’s tournament. Hayes had warned that conditions in Brazil are “unlike anything else,” and the trip offered the team the hostile experience the coaching staff sought; the report added that players matched Brazil’s intensity without crossing the line emotionally.
