Chaos reigns with 8 red cards, but USWNT proves it...
Key takeaways
- The U.S. had not beaten Brazil on home soil since 1997, a stretch that included a 2-1 loss just three days ago.
- Tuesday's game was a brawl more than it was a soccer match, but that was by design.
- - The USWNT wanted a fight in Brazil, and World Cup prep will be better for it - USWNT Big Board: How the 2027 World Cup team is taking shape - Trinity Rodman on Triple Espresso: 'Having my sisters back is amazing'
Why this matters: a sports story that could shift standings, legacies, or fan conversations.
Brazil was issued eight red cards in a 1-0 loss to the USWNT on Tuesday at Arena Castelão in Fortaleza, Brazil -- two of which were shown after the final whistle and just moments before police in riot gear surrounded the referees.
The U.S. had not beaten Brazil on home soil since 1997, a stretch that included a 2-1 loss just three days ago. The Americans ended that skid Tuesday and, more importantly, showed the type of toughness and responsiveness that they will need if they want to win a FIFA Women's World Cup in those same grounds next year.
Tuesday's game was a brawl more than it was a soccer match, but that was by design. This was how Brazil head coach Arthur Elias wanted his team to play. It was how Brazil would add to the intimidation of 55,744 home fans. And the U.S. response was exactly the type of fight that head coach Emma Hayes wanted to see from her team.