SheBelieves match preview and schedule: USA vs Brazil

United States played themselves in another 2-2 draw against England last Saturday.

While the US earned their second draw of the tournament, it was in a less convincing fashion from their opening match in regard to tactical game scenarios. It was emphasized by Megan Rapinoe on the broadcast in post game comments saying “Too many technical errors, too many tactical lapses,” reiterating that the same mistakes cannot be made without team actually learning from them.

Adjustments for England match weren’t to be found, except in the form of a goalkeeping change with Adrianna Franch earning her first cap due to Alyssa Naeher being out with shoulder soreness. A lack of midfield cohesion and and mental errors between the backline and keeper have all led up to the final match of SheBelieves against Brazil.

United States need a combination of lucky things to end up top of the table. A draw between England and Japan with a dominant performance against the Brazilians and goal differential will help USA claim victory at SheBelieves in 2019.

Scouting Brazil

Brazil hasn’t looked great this tournament with two losses headed into this final match. The team wanted to show another level besides their sole reliance on Marta and her brilliance but it hasn’t come; instead Brazil has done little except show that they still rely strongly on Marta and another Brazilian legend, 41-year-old Formiga. Their defense has also proven porous, with the center backs very vulnerable to balls dropped between or behind them. Still, goalkeeper Aline had a strong performance in Brazil’s first match against England, and will likely work to have another against the number one ranked team in the world. Brazil and Barcelona’s Andressa is another player to keep an eye on. USA will also want to mark Debinha as she is a familiar menace in the midfield with her NWSL club, North Carolina Courage, but young forward Geyse is another possible threat whether she starts or comes on as a sub.

Possible Starting XI

It’s time to start Christen Press and Sam Mewis. Will that happen? Probably not. With the absence of Lindsey Horan this tournament due to injury, Rose Lavelle and Mal Pugh have been given midfield responsibilities with Pugh having some struggles with said duties. During the England match the addition of Mewis into the mid, along with Heath pushed back to make way for Press at right forward, ended up being a rotating combo that allowed Ertz to cause problems for the Lionesses. Here’s hoping Press and Mewis get to make an impact to start the game. Might as well give Ashlyn Harris a start in this tournament as well to complete the trifecta of caps for backup keepers prior to the World Cup.

Rosters

Brazil

GOALKEEPERS (3): Aline (UD Granadilla Tenerife - Spain), Letícia (Corinthians - Brasil), Luciana (Ferroviária - Brasil)

DEFENDERS (8): Érika (Corinthians - Brazil), Jucinara (Valencia - Spain), Kathellen (Bordeaux - France), Letícia (SC Sand - Germany), Monica, Poliana (São José - Brazil), Tamires (Fortuna Hjorring - Denmark), Tayla (Benfica - Portugal)

MIDFIELDERS (6): Andressa Alves (Barcelona - Spain), Formiga (Paris Saint Germain - France), Juliana (Flamengo - Brazil), Luana (KSPO Women Football Team - South Korea), Marta (Orlando Pride), Thaisa (Milan - Italy)

FORWARDS (6): Adriana (Corinthians - Brazil), Beatriz Zaneratto (Incheon Hyundai Steel Red Angels - South Korea), Debinha (North Carolina Courage - USA), Geyse (Benfica -Portugal) Ludmila (Atlético de Madrid - Spain) Raquel (Sporting Club Huelva - Spain)

USA

GOALKEEPERS (3): 21-Adrianna Franch (Portland Thorns FC; 0/0), 24-Ashlyn Harris (Orlando Pride; 19/0), 1-Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars; 40/0)

DEFENDERS (7): 7-Abby Dahlkemper (NC Courage; 32/0), 12-Tierna Davidson (Chicago Red Stars; 14/1); 19-Crystal Dunn (NC Courage; 77/24), 22-Emily Fox (UNC; 3/0), 5-Kelley O’Hara(Utah Royals FC; 112/2); 4-Becky Sauerbrunn (Utah Royals FC; 151/0), 14-Casey Short (Chicago Red Stars; 27/0), 2-Emily Sonnett (Portland Thorns FC; 28/0)

MIDFIELDERS (6): 8-Julie Ertz (Chicago Red Stars; 74/18); 16-Rose Lavelle (Washington Spirit; 21/6), 3-Samantha Mewis (NC Courage; 43/8), 6-Andi Sullivan (Washington Spirit; 11/0), 25-McCall Zerboni (NC Courage; 8/0)

FORWARDS (7): 17-Tobin Heath (Portland Thorns FC; 143/25); 10-Carli Lloyd (Sky Blue FC; 266/105), 20-Jessica McDonald (NC Courage; 5/1), 13-Alex Morgan (Orlando Pride; 155/98), 23-Christen Press (Utah Royals FC; 108/47), 11- Mallory Pugh (Washington Spirit; 45/13), 15- Megan Rapinoe (Seattle Reign FC; 146/41)

Schedule and TV Info

USA vs Brazil
Tuesday, March 5
8 PM ET / 5 PM PT
Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL
FS1