The Brazilian Women’s National Team defeated Argentina 5-1 early on Sunday at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, securing a spot in the Copa Ouro semifinals. Yaya, Yasmin, Bia Zaneratto (2), and Gabi Nunes scored for the team, maintaining a 100% record in the competition.
The next opponent for the Brazilian team will come from the match between Mexico and Paraguay on Sunday night.
It was the team’s first knockout experience under coach Arthur Elias. His strategy worked very well as Brazil dominated the game completely, and the scoreline could have been even more lopsided.
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Balance at the beginning
The game started with the Brazilian team imposing itself and playing with intensity. Just 3 minutes into the game, in a play involving Antonia, Bia Zaneratto, and Yaya, Gabi Nunes almost opened the scoring.
But Argentina responded shortly after and narrowly missed a goal on a counterattack where goalkeeper Luciana was caught off her line and chipped.
Taking the lead
The first goal for Brazil came at 18 minutes when Duda Santos made a great pass to Bia Zaneratto, who crossed perfectly for Yaya to head home, beating her marker to score.
Another one
At 35 minutes, Yasmin made it 2-0, seizing on a loose ball and firing a powerful left-footed shot from outside the box. By then, Brazil was already dominant and creating many chances.
The rout
It was beneficial for Argentina to go into halftime trailing by two goals. The Brazilian team had complete control of the game and was overwhelming their opponents. The third goal was just a matter of time and came from Bia Zaneratto at 8 minutes into the second half. She received a precise pass from Rafaelle and scored after two attempts to beat the Argentine goalkeeper.
Gabi Nunes also made her mark in the Gold Cup quarterfinals. After a cross from Gabi Portilho, she headed home freely at 16 minutes.
Bia Zaneratto, once more
With a 4-0 lead, Arthur Elias made several changes. In a lapse by the Brazilian defense, Dos Santos scored Argentina’s consolation goal at 36 minutes. However, Brazil kept up the pace and secured a fifth goal, again through Bia Zaneratto, with a stylish shot from outside the box. A resounding victory for the Brazilian National Team.
