Brazil’s women’s team saw eight red cards issued as they fell 1-0 to the United States in a fiery friendly in Fortaleza on Tuesday, a match that ended with players, staff, and officials all caught up in repeated disciplinary flashpoints.
USA manager Emma Hayes said “it was an experience I will never forget” after a match that spiralled late on at the Arena Castelao.
Hayes’ USA side secured victory through a goal from Sophia Wilson, whose shot deflected in off defender Isabela Chagas.
The turning point in discipline came late in the second half when Brazil head coach Arthur Elias and three members of his staff were sent off by referee Paola Cebollada Lopez.
On the pitch, tensions continued to rise. Forward Bia Zaneratto was dismissed after receiving a second yellow card for pushing Emily Sonnett, shortly before Tarciane was shown a straight red card for an elbow on Wilson.
After the final whistle, further punishment followed. Kerolin was shown a red card after confronting the referee, while Ludmila was also dismissed after sarcastically applauding the official.
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Police in riot gear entered the pitch to restore order as officials were escorted away amid the disorder.
A crowd of just over 55,000 attended the Arena Castelao stadium, one of the venues set to host matches at next year’s Women’s World Cup.
“To say that it was a game of battles, that’s one way to describe it,” said Hayes, whose USA side had lost 2-1 to Brazil in the first match of the double-header on Saturday.
“To come and play in Brazil and win in Brazil, I think, is extremely tough. The crowd create the conditions to make it difficult but this is what it is, and what I am certain of is that when the World Cup comes here next year with Fifa, there will be very clear behavioural expectations for all of us, which there should be. It’s a global game.
“We are excited, if we qualify, to come back here because, as I have said many times, I have a lot of respect for Brazil and it was an experience I will never forget.”
Hayes later said she had “never coached a game with eight red cards”, adding that at points there was so much stoppage time she even had time “to play flip the bottle”.
She stressed the responsibility of leadership in maintaining discipline on the sidelines and on the pitch.
“I think it starts with the leader. I’ve worked so hard as a leader, as a coach, of players to make sure all of the focus and attention is on the game and not me and my behaviours.”
USA midfielder Lindsey Heaps said her side managed the situation well to secure the win.
“I hope that’s not what a World Cup final looks like come the World Cup and I hope that there’s more football being played,” she said.
“I hope that it’s the beautiful game again because, for me, that’s a whole different sport.
“I think this is a really good team with a lot of quality, but I just don’t think the game should be played in that type of way.”
(BBC)
