Eight red cards shown to Brazil in fiery friendly against US women | Football News
Brazil Suffers Dramatic Red Card Incident in Loss to U.S.
Fortaleza, Brazil — In a tumultuous friendly match, Brazil’s women’s national soccer team faced a 1-0 defeat against the United States, resulting in a staggering eight red cards issued to Brazilian players and coaching staff on Tuesday evening.
Brazilian head coach Arthur Elias, along with three assistant coaches, was sent off during the second half, while players Bia Zaneratto and Tarciane also received red cards. The chaos continued after the final whistle as two additional players, Kerolin and Ludmila, were dismissed for dissent.
Sophia Wilson’s goal in the 63rd minute, which deflected off Brazilian defender Isabela, proved to be the match’s only score. The contest was held in front of more than 55,000 fans, with Brazil failing to record any shots on goal while the United States managed six.
Elias and several assistants were ejected from the technical area during the course of the game, and Brazil found themselves down to nine players in stoppage time. Zaneratto received a second yellow card for a foul on Emily Sonnett, leading to her red card. Shortly thereafter, Tarciane was shown a straight red card for elbowing Wilson.
This match marked the second in Brazil for the U.S. team; they lost the opener 2-1 in São Paulo on Saturday. Marta, a six-time FIFA World Player of the Year, made her 212th appearance for Brazil after coming off the bench in the 80th minute.
In an unfortunate incident, Brazil’s Dudinha sustained a right knee injury and was stretchered off in the 30th minute after a collision with Sonnett. The 20-year-old forward, who currently plays for the San Diego Wave in the National Women’s Soccer League, returned to the bench on crutches in the second half.
Both matches in Brazil are preparatory events for the upcoming Women’s World Cup, to be held in the country next June and July. The U.S. will begin their qualification campaign in November.
