Angelina, one of Seleção's leaders, sets out plan for USA clash | OneFootball

Having played in the United States for more than five years, first for Seattle Reign and currently for Orlando Pride alongside Marta, Brazil Women’s National Team midfielder Angelina acknowledges the strength and intensity of the Americans.

“In the American league, a lot of goals are scored at the end of the game, right? And that really comes down to concentration, because fatigue sets in. One advantage for our team is the substitutions, which Arthur uses very well. If there are six substitutions, he’s going to use all six,” the midfielder predicts.

Among the 26 players called up for the friendlies against the United States, on Saturday (6) in São Paulo and Tuesday (9) in Fortaleza, Angelina is the second most frequent name on coach Arthur Elias’s squads, with 15 call-ups, behind only Duda Sampaio, with 17.

The player brings the experience and perspective of someone who has worn the captain’s armband since the youth national teams. After stints with the U-17 and U-20 sides, with which she played in two World Cups, she went to the Tokyo Olympics and the 2023 World Cup, won silver at the Paris Olympics in 2024, and became a two-time Copa América champion in 2022 and 2025.

Constant improvement

On Thursday (4), she spoke with reporters about what she has learned during a press conference after training at CT Joaquim Grava. “That [the substitutions] helps the team keep the same intensity at all times. Knowing that the girls coming in will maintain or even raise the level. So that’s something we’ve been making very good use of,” she explained, recalling the most recent win against the United States, with the comeback goal in stoppage time.

Midfielder Angelina has worn the captain’s armband since the youth levelsCredits: Lívia Villas Boas/Staff Images/CBF

According to the player, the team has been evolving and refining its playing model, which is why it has been getting positive results. The support of the fans is essential and can be an “extra” in the matchup.

“They know that playing against us is very difficult, right? We hear that Brazilian players are different, creative, and that often it’s hard even to predict what we’re going to do. Especially playing here, with a full stadium. Our fans are loud, and for the full 90 minutes they’ll be pushing us forward,” she believes.

Focus and leadership

The focused gaze and calm tone of voice, essential for a leader, have one of their secrets in mental well-being, cultivated through hobbies such as reading and music.

“It’s important to have something that helps us relax our body and mind, where we can also find a little pleasure. I studied for a year, took Spanish classes, and I try to read, try to play an instrument, learn something new,” she shared. On and off the field, Angelina gathers the lessons of someone who takes on responsibility and leads a group with inner peace as her foundation.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.