Brazil’s friendly against the United States women’s national team turned chaotic in Fortaleza as the hosts were shown eight red cards in a 1-0 defeat.
The United States scored the only goal of the match in the 63rd minute when Sophia Wilson’s shot deflected off Isabela and found its way past Brazil goalkeeper Lorena.
Brazil struggled to create clear chances and failed to register a single shot on goal, while the United States managed six efforts on target.
The match became increasingly heated in the second half. Brazil head coach Arthur Elias and three of his assistant coaches were sent off from the technical area before the drama moved onto the pitch.
Brazil was reduced to nine players in stoppage time after Bia Zaneratto received a second yellow card for pushing Emily Sonnett. Moments later, Tarciane was shown a straight red card for elbowing Wilson.
The tension continued after the final whistle, with Kerolin and Ludmila also receiving red cards for dissent.
It was the second meeting between the two sides in Brazil, after the hosts defeated the Americans 2-1 in Sao Paulo on Saturday.
Brazilian legend Marta, a six-time FIFA World Player of the Year, came on in the 80th minute to make her 212th appearance for the national team.
Brazil also had an injury scare in the first half when Dudinha appeared to hurt her right knee in a collision with Sonnett in the 30th minute. The 20-year-old forward, who plays for San Diego Wave in the National Women’s Soccer League, was stretchered off in visible pain before returning to the bench on crutches in the second half.
The matches in Sao Paulo and Fortaleza were played at stadiums that will be used next June and July for the Women’s World Cup.
