Brazil Secures Friendly Win
Bia Zaneratto's Goal Leads Brazil to 2-1 Win Over USWNT in Friendly Match
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Brazil beat the United States 2-1 in a women's soccer friendly in São Paulo on June 6, handing the USWNT a defeat in front of a boisterous home crowd at Neo QuÃmica Arena. Bia Zaneratto scored the decisive goal in the 14th minute, slotting home a deflected ball past U.S. goalkeeper Mandy McGlynn, according to AP News.
The result was Brazil's 5th win over the United States in 44 all-time meetings. It came despite the U.S. opening the scoring just 2 minutes in and controlling 56% of possession throughout the match, The Sports Examiner reported.
How Brazil Flipped the Match in Three Minutes
The U.S. struck first. Sophia Wilson scored with a left-footed strike from the edge of the box in the 2nd minute, pressured into the chance by Trinity Rodman's high press. It was Wilson's 25th international goal, according to AP News.
Brazil answered fast. Tainá Maranhão headed in an equalizer in the 11th minute off a cross from Isabela. Three minutes later, Zaneratto settled a deflected ball and beat McGlynn to make it 2-1. Both goals came from Brazil's sharp transition play, which analysts described as the clearest sign of the team's shift away from relying on veteran Marta, per OneFootball.
Triple Espresso Reunion Draws Eyes but Raises Questions
The biggest U.S. story heading into the match was the return of Mallory Swanson. She had been away from the team for 18 months due to parental leave. She joined Trinity Rodman and Sophia Wilson — a trio nicknamed the "Triple Espresso" — who had not all shared the pitch since the 2024 Olympics, according to Just Women's Sports.
Swanson did not play in the first match but was available on the bench. The trio combined for 10 of 12 U.S. goals during the 2024 Olympic gold medal run. But defensive concerns overshadowed the reunion. Critics pointed to the inexperienced center-back pairing and McGlynn's rare start as key vulnerabilities, per The Sports Examiner.
Rodman Injury Scare Clouds Second Match in Fortaleza
Late in the match, Trinity Rodman went down on the field and was treated by medical staff. She eventually walked off unaided, but the cause of the injury was described as "unclear," according to AP News. Her fitness is now the biggest question for the U.S. heading into the second friendly.
That second match is scheduled for June 9 in Fortaleza at Arena Castelão. U.S. coach Emma Hayes said the loss still offered "positives to take" and stressed the value of playing in "adverse conditions." McGlynn made a critical save in the 91st minute to prevent a 3-1 final score, per AP News.
Brazil Eyes Home World Cup Glory as U.S. Faces Pressure
Brazil is the confirmed host of the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup. Neo QuÃmica Arena, where Saturday's match was played, is being considered for the opening game. Brazil coach Arthur Elias said the team's resilience after conceding early showed they are ready to compete at the highest level, per Agência Brasil.
Brazil has been unbeaten since March. For the U.S., the stakes are also high. They must qualify for the 2027 World Cup through the CONCACAF W Championship in late November 2026. Emma Hayes now faces pressure to lock down her defensive rotation before that window opens, according to AP News.
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