The USA matched up against Brazil in their second match of the 2017 Tournament of Nations. This historic rivalry has seen 34 meetings between the teams, but last night’s epic comeback in front of 21,096 fans at Qualcomm Stadium will go down as a classic.
When Andressinha’s 78th minute direct free kick goal made it 3-1 in favor of the Brazilians, it looked like the U.S. were down and out. Nobody foresaw a three-goal swing in the final ten minutes of the match -- except for the Americans.
Christen Press ignited the comeback in the 80th minute with a swift turn and shot into the top shelf of the goal. The crowd behind the goal erupted and it seemed the U.S. had gained all the momentum from that point on.
The equalizer came in some style. A long ball over the top from Press found Megan Rapinoe on the left flank. Rapinoe’s first touch was sublime and, from a tight angle, the winger volleyed home a goal that would put the U.S. in a position to win the match with just under five minutes to play in regulation time.
Struggling to establish any passing rhythm, Brazil looked overwhelmed by the U.S. pressure. With time winding down in the 89th minute, Julia Ertz completed the Americans’ comeback after a Kelley O’Hara cross was deflected and put on a silver platter for Ertz to hammer into the back of the net.
Brazil made a push to equalize, but were unable to turn the tides after the U.S. mounted their comeback. Final score: 4-3 to the Americans.
Here’s what the Tournament of Nations standings look like after the second round of matches is complete:
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The Tournament of Nations champion is determined by which team has accrued the most points over three matches -- the tiebreak being goal differential. With three points (three behind AUS) the United States are still alive for the title.
A champion will be crowned on August 3rd at StubHub Center in Carson, CA, when Australia takes on Brazil (7:15 p.m. ET on ESPN3) and the USA hosts Japan (10:00 p.m. ET on ESPN2).
Here’s what has to happen for the Americans to win the competition:
- USA beats Japan
- Australia loses to Brazil
- USA overturn three-goal differential
