First modification: 19/02/2021 – 00:12Last modification: 19/02/2021 – 00:10
–
Orlando (United States) (AFP)
With a target from its star Marta, the Brazilian women’s soccer team defeated Argentina 3-1 in the opening match of the SheBelieves Cup mini-tournament in the US city of Orlado (Florida).
Forward Marta, six times chosen as the best footballer of the year by FIFA, opened the penalty score in minute 30. Her teammates Debinha (minute 47), Adriana (54) and Geyse (83) extended the account for the ‘canarinha ‘while Mariana Larroquette (60) cut the advantage for the Albiceleste squad.
After this clash, the other two teams competing in the tournament will meet, the host United States and Canada.
Argentina, invited to the event after the resignation of the Japan national team, faced its debut in this annual competition with the last minute casualties of four footballers due to the coronavirus prevention protocols.
At the start of the clash at the Explora Stadium, where a limited number of spectators were allowed access, Brazil took control of the game but allowed several arrivals to Argentina’s counterattack, such as a shot by Yamila Rodríguez from outside the area that saved without difficulties archer Aline Reis.
After a takedown in the area of Aldana Cometti on Adriana, Marta converted the penalty that opened the scoring with a cross shot that the goalkeeper Solana Pereyra touched.
The 34-year-old forward was able to celebrate the goal at her own team’s stadium, Orlando Pride, with which she renewed for one more season this week.
Her attacking partner Debinha, who left great flashes of her quality on the pitch, increased the advantage for Brazil just two minutes after the restart by receiving a serve into space from Bia Zaneratto and solving the heads-up with Pereyra with class.
In another mistake of the Argentine central defense, Adriana appeared in the area and shot Pereyra to score 3-0.
Larroquette, with a cross header inside the area, made it 3-1 but Geyse completed the Brazilian win with a strong shot from the left peak of the area.
The SheBelieves Cup 2021 will take place over three days (February 18, 21 and 24) in which each team will face their rivals and the one with the most points will win the trophy.
– Program of the first day of the SheBelieves Cup 2021:
Brazil – Argentina 4-1
United States – Canada (19H00 local – 00H00 GMT on Friday)
SheBelieves Cup tournament standings:
– Pts J G E P GF GC Dif
1. Brazil 3 1 1 0 0 4 1 +3
2. United States 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
3. Canada 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4. Argentina 0 1 0 0 1 1 4 -3
© 2021 AFP
–
