The United States women's soccer team scraped past Brazil 1-0 in a hostile, card-laden friendly in Fortaleza on Tuesday night, with Sophia Wilson providing the crucial spark that sent the Selecao into meltdown.
Wilson's low shot in the 63rd minute ricocheted off Brazilian defender Isabela Chagas and past goalkeeper Lorena to settle a physical contest that descended into chaos in stoppage time. The own goal capped a relentless second-half performance from the Americans, who outmaneuvered a Brazil side that started sharp but unraveled as the match wore on.
The victory came three days after the teams met in Sao Paulo, where Brazil triumphed 2-1. Wilson had scored in that match and carried her form into Tuesday's rematch, troubling the Brazilian defense repeatedly and forcing Lorena into a series of important saves throughout the evening.
Brazil's frustration boiled over in stoppage time. Bia Zaneratto was shown a second yellow card in the 94th minute, and four minutes later Tarciane was ejected for elbowing Wilson. The home side finished with nine men. Brazil manager Arthur Elias and several assistants were sent from the technical area during the second half, adding to the deteriorating atmosphere.
The moment that decided the match came after Wilson collected possession on the right flank and cut inward. Pressured by Isadora Haas, Wilson slipped between Haas and Aline Gomes before firing toward goal from just outside the penalty arc. Her effort took a wicked deflection off Chagas, leaving Lorena stranded.
The US came close to extending the lead moments later when Olivia Moultrie surged forward on a break and struck the left post with only the goalkeeper to beat. Earlier, Wilson had forced Lorena into multiple saves, including a brilliant double stop in first-half stoppage time when the goalkeeper denied Emma Sears with one hand before smothering Wilson's follow-up with the other.
Rose Lavelle also had a chance midway through the second half when she raced onto Wilson's through ball but sent her shot just wide of the post.
Claudia Dickey recorded her ninth international clean sheet for the visitors without facing a genuine threat in goal. Brazil's Dudinha departed on a stretcher in the 31st minute with a right leg injury and did not return.
The win marks another statement performance from the American side, though they will be mindful of Brazil's hosting duties for next year's Fifa Women's World Cup. The home side showed they can compete at the highest level but self-destructed through discipline and missed finishing.
Author James Rodriguez: "Wilson made the difference when it mattered most, but that final scoreline doesn't capture how much Brazil imploded down the stretch."
Comments