Fresh from a 1-0 Swanson inspired victory over Japan, USWNT match-up with Brazil in the final game of the eighth edition of the SheBelieves Cup.
Having bagged six points out of six and needing only a point to claim their sixth SheBelieves Cup, the Vlatko Andonovski coached side will be eager to conclude this tournament on a high as they turn focus on fine-tuning for the World Cup.
Where to watch USA vs Brazil match
Date Wednesday, February 22, 2023
Time 3 p.m. CT
Venue Toyota Stadium, Frisco, TX
TV channel HBO Max, Universo and Peacock
Livestream fuboTV (try for free)
Form guide
USA last five matches in all competitions
W (1-0) – Japan – 2023 SheBelieves Cup
W (2-0) – Canada – 2023 SheBelieves Cup
W (5-0) – New Zealand – Friendly
W (4-0) – New Zealand – Friendly
W (2-1) – Germany – Friendly
Brazil last five matches in all competitions
L (0-2) – Canada – 2023 SheBelieves Cup
W (1-0) – Japan – 2023 SheBelieves Cup
W (2-1) – Canada – Friendly
L (1-2) – Canada – Friendly
W (1-0) – Italy – Friendly
USA Team news
With most of the players eager to impress as the coach prepares to finalize his roster for the WC, coach Andonovski will have a torrid time picking his starting XI to do duty against Brazil as all players that have been called have performed well thus far.
Tournament leading goal scorer Swanson, who is on a five game scoring streak dating back to November 2022, will be eager to keep her place as she hopes continue dominating the goal scorers’ chart for USWNT.
With team having recorded a paltry five shots against Japan on Sunday, their fewest shots in a game since August 2016, the midfield is proving problematic for the coaching staff with continued tinkering as they hope to find the key core. Ashley Sanchez, USWNT most creative option in the No. 10 role and a key feature at this year’s SheBelieves Cup, will hope to continue her budding international career with a 22nd cap against Brazil. Sanchez will hope to retain her place alongside Kristie Mewis, who returned against Japan and Lindsay Horan.
It is in defence where the coaches seem spoilt for choice going into the last game having not conceded a goal in all the four games they played leading into this game. All players who have been called have transferred the ideas given to them by the coach perfectly in games. Crystal Dunn, who recently quashed concerns around position change for club and country having played outside right for the USWNT and as an attacking midfielder for Portland Thorns FC, hopes to continue in the team.
Brazil team news
Manager Pia Sundhage, who led the USWNT to two consecutive Olympic gold medals in 2008 and 2012, leads her Brazilian charges against her former paymasters.
Playing in a 4-4-2/4-2-4 formation, Brazil have Lorena as goalkeeper to bank on as she oozes agility and is comfortable with ball on her feet.
Defensive stalwart Rafaelle Souza, an aggressive tackler who likes to engage with attackers and throws herself into danger, has been key to Brazil’s defensive structure alongside Kathellen.
In midfield, Ary Borges is likely to be tasked with screening the defence. Adriana’s versatility, dynamism and work rate will be key in honing clear-cut chances as Brazil hope to spoil the party for USA.
Debinha and Zaneratto will be eager to impress in the final third for Brazil.
USWNT predicted XI (4-3-3)
18-Casey Murphy; 2-Ashley Sanchez, 3-Alana Cook, 6-Lynn Williams, 8-Sofia Huerta, 9-Mallory Swanson, 10-Lindsey Horan (Capt.), 12-Naomi Girma, 13-Alex Morgan, 22-Kristie Mewis, 23-Emily Fox
Brazil predicted XI (4-4-2)
1-Lerona; 5-Bruninha; 4-Kathallen; 3-Rafaelle Souza; 2-Tamires; 8-Kalorin; 7- Ary Borges; 6-Adriana; 9-Geyse Ferreira; 11- Beatriz; 10-Debinha.
