Brazil vs USA friendly turns chaotic as FOUR players get sent off and an official is called a ‘total mess’
Brazil’s women’s national team had a rough time in their friendly match against the United States in Fortaleza on Tuesday, with four players sent off. Their coach and three other staff members were also shown red cards during and after a chaotic game.
Just three days after Emma Hayes’ team lost to Brazil in Sao Paulo, the rematch saw not only eight total dismissals but also the USWNT’s first win over Brazil since 1997. Brazil’s manager, Arthur Elias, was the first to be sent off after getting a second yellow card with 12 minutes left, and two of his staff were also ordered off. Another staff member was shown a red card a minute before the end.
The players who were sent off were all substitutes and it happened during stoppage time. Palmeiras forward Bia Zaneretto got a second yellow card for pushing USA’s Emily Sonnett, and Tarciane from Lyon received a straight red for what looked like an elbow on Sophia Wilson. Manchester City’s Kerolin and Ludmila, who plays for San Diego Wave in the USA, were sent off after the final whistle.
Brazil was unhappy about an earlier moment when Michelle Cooper from the USA seemed to step on Maranhao’s knee. The only goal of the game was an own goal by Brazil’s Isabela.
After the game, Brazil’s midfielder Angelina was very honest with the media. She said the whole situation was “a complete disgrace,” pointing out problems with the fourth official and VAR, which didn’t seem to work properly. She felt the referee was quick to send off Brazilian players but missed important fouls against them. Angelina also said a US player claimed the atmosphere was nice but was saying negative things about Brazil on the field, showing disrespect from both the referees and the opposing players.
Marta, the experienced striker and many-time World Player of the Year, also spoke out. She said someone wanted to be the “main figure of the show,” which wasn’t right with so many fans watching such an important Brazil vs USA match. Marta criticized the refereeing as unacceptable.
Kerolin called her red card “ridiculous” and blamed the referee for ruining the game. After the match, referees lined up for the usual handshakes, but were flanked by security officers carrying shields — showing how tense the game had become.