Kerolin says Brazil have grown, ready for 3rd straight win over USA | OneFootball

In October 2018, Kerolin made her debut for the senior women’s national team in a friendly against England. The young player, just 18 years old and then playing for Ponte Preta, could hardly have imagined that she would make history in the sport in both countries, becoming the first Brazilian woman to win the English women’s football league and one of the biggest names of the Canarinha.

Over these seven and a half years, the Bauru-born player from São Paulo has gained international prominence and reached impressive numbers. Since the 2020/2021 season, she has played abroad, having spells with Madrid CFF, North Carolina Courage, and Manchester City, with whom she won the league title.

She now has 60 appearances for the national team, 15 goals, and eight assists. In the most recent tournament won wearing the green and yellow shirt, the FIFA Series in April, she was named best player.

Back in Brazil for another challenge — two friendlies against one of the biggest powers in women’s football, the United States, one year before the World Cup — the forward sees a more mature team ready for major battles: “Women’s football has evolved a lot; since the last World Cup, we’ve increased our intensity and grown physically and mentally.”

Kerolin signs shirts; more than 30,000 people attended Neo Química ArenaCredits: Lívia Villas Boas/Staff Images/CBF

Analyzing Brazil’s comeback in the first match, with goals by Tainá Maranhão and Bia Zaneratto, the player reaffirmed the group’s commitment and confidence. “The more opponents focus on me, the more the others are left free and gain space to score, as was the case with Bia. It’s about the collective — we play together,” she told reporters at a post-training press conference this Monday (8).

Now, the group is chasing a third straight win over the United States. The first came in last year’s friendlies, on American soil. The second came at Neo Química Arena this Saturday (6), and the third could come today (9) at 9:30 p.m. at Arena Castelão.

With the experience of a World Cup, an Olympics, and two Copa Américas, Kerolin is not intimidated. “It’s a national team that has historically won a lot of matches and is mentally prepared. We’re not too concerned with history; we also have a winning mentality,” she assured.

Finally, the forward thanked the fans for their presence and engagement in the stadium, which even drew comments from the U.S. national team coach after the match. “All this support is very important to us; even Emma recognized the impact of the fans.”

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