The USWNT took on Brazil in a rematch of the 2024 Olympics Gold Medal game. It would be a test for the team against a top opponent made that much more challenging with injuries to key players in the attack and defense. In the end an early goal from Trinity Rodman back with the tram for the first time in 2025 and a penalty from Lindsey Heaps brought home the win for the USA.
Emma Hayes lined her team up in a 4-2-3-1 with Catarina Macario up top and a first cap for Manchester United keeper Phallon Tallis-Joyce.
Brazil put forward a 3-4-3 in a statement of attacking intent.
GIFS OF AMERICA DEFENDING ITS GOLD MEDAL
The match would start in ideal fashion for the USWNT as Alyssa Thompson played a ball to Trinity Rodman. The forward took a touch and fired a shot into the net to take a lead in the 5th minute.
As the half wore on the teams split possession and play was open. Brazil led with 9 shots but only three were on frame. The Americans managed six shots with five on target.
With neither team finishing any of their chances the teams went into the locker rooms with Rodman’s goal the difference in the half.
The second half began with Brazil nearly drawing even after hitting the crossbar in the first minute following the whistle. The visitors had another excellent chance five minutes later as Arthur Elias’ halftime speech seemed to have been effective.
However, it would be the Americans scoring the next goal in the game. A minutes after the hour mark a foul in the box gave the USA a penalty. Lindsey Heaps stepped up and buried it into the net to make it 2-0.
The penalty seemed to have taken some of the fight out of the South Americans. Chances started swinging towards the USWNT and the Stars and Stripes worked to put the game away. The remaining time would be spent with the USA trying for a third goal, Brazil having a viable penalty shout, and lots of substitutions.
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