Brazil beat USA on penalties to reach Women’s U20 World Cup quarters | OneFootball

The Brazil Women’s U-20 National Team beat the United States on penalties and secured a place in the quarterfinals of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup this Wednesday (16) in Poland. In a hard-fought match, with good chances for both sides, a 1-1 draw in regular time, extra time, and penalties, Brazil and the United States wrote another chapter in the history of one of the greatest rivalries in women’s football.

First half under pressure

The United States started with a more direct approach and relied on counterattacks, which required the Brazilian players to reorganize and stay in control. Thanks to strong performances by goalkeeper Thais Lima and the defensive trio of Sofia, Thay, and Ana Bia, Brazil managed to clear the danger and keep the score level at 0-0 in the first half.

Brazil had its first chance in the 14th minute, with Gisele down the left, but the cross was too high and Dudinha was unable to direct her header. In the 34th minute, the Canarinho created more opportunities with combination play at the edge of the box from corners and free kicks, but without success in the finish.

Brazil more attacking and goals from both sides

Brazil came out for the second half with better build-up play and a more attacking attitude. In 15 minutes, there were seven shots, with Sofia, Brendha, and Nogueira coming very close to opening the scoring. Shortly after Dulce nearly scored with a low angled shot, Brazil got its first goal from a rehearsed corner routine that left Sofia free to head into the corner, giving goalkeeper Birkell no time to react.

Center back Sofia opened the scoring for Brazil in the round of 16 of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World CupCredits: Luciana Vermell/CBF

In response, the United States pushed forward and, in the 18th minute, equalized with a shot from outside the box by McCammon. With a slight deflection off Thay, Thais was unable to stop the ball. The Americans kept up the pressure and, in the 34th minute, nearly took the lead with a shot off the post and a rebound that ended up in the Brazilian goalkeeper’s hands.

Camilla Orlando made changes in Brazil’s defense and midfield, bringing on Bianca and Emilly for Thaynara and Nogueira. The substitutions gave the team more energy and, in extra time, Emilly struck a very good shot from outside the box, but the ball skimmed just past the upper right post.

Extra time and penalties

In extra time, there were more changes, with Evelin and Taina coming on for Dudinha and Vitorinha. Brazil maintained possession, and the No. 17 looked dangerous with individual plays, but the whole team struggled to complete passes.

Coach Vicky Jepson made several changes to the U.S. team, with four substitutions in extra time. On the Brazilian side, Gisele found space to push forward on the right in combination with Taina and Evelin, but the opponents used their physical strength well to contain the attack and regain control on the counter.

In the penalty shootout, Thais Lima saved the first attempt, taken by Emeri Adames. Ainsley McCammon, Y-Lan Nguyen, Lilyana Joseph, and Aven Alvarez scored, but with no misses from Brendha, Gisele, Emilly, Aninha, and Bianca, Brazil beat the United States.

In the group stage, Brazil had a perfect record: Tanzania (4-1), Canada (3-0), and England (2-1), finishing top of Group B with nine points. The United States, three-time champions at this level, advanced as one of the four best third-placed teams, with one win over New Zealand and two losses, to Japan and Italy.

MATCH DETAILS

Brazil 1 : 1 United States

Competition: FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup

Venue: Arena Katowice, Poland

Goals: Sofia Couto (13' 2nd half), Ainsley McCammon (17' 2nd half)

Yellow cards: Thay (15' 2nd half), Ana Beatriz (43' 2nd half)

Referee: Silvia Gasperotti (Italy). Assistants: Giulia Tempestilli (Italy) and Svitlana Grushko (Ukraine). VAR: Angelos Evangelou (Greece).

BRAZIL: Thais Lima; Thaynara (Bianca, 65'), Sofia Couto, Ana Beatriz; Nogueira (Emilly, 65'), Vitorinha (Taina, 103'), Dudinha (Evelin, 94'), Dulce; Gisele, Kaylane and Brendha. Coach: Camilla Orlando

UNITED STATES: Caroline Birkel; Emma Johnson (Alvarez, 110'), Ella Bard, Lizzie Boamah, Hope Munson; Ainsley McCammon, Kennedy Fuller (Lilyana Joseph, 100'), Linda Ullmark (Nyanya Touray, 113'); Alex Buck (Y-Lan Nguyen, 91'), Emeri Adames and Micayla Johnson (Sealey Strawn, 66'). Coach: Vicky Jepson.

Brazil beat the United States in the round of 16 of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World CupCredits: Luciana Vermell/CBF

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