USWNT vs. Brazil: Top Storylines and Predictions for 2023 SheBelieves Cup
The United States women's national team can capture the 2023 SheBelieves Cup with just a draw against Brazil on Wednesday.
Vlatko Andonovski's side defeated Canada and Japan in the first two games of the four-team event.
The Americans have been powered by Mallory Swanson's hot streak in front of goal and a sturdy defense that has not conceded so far in 2023.
The 24-year-old has been responsible for all three USWNT goals scored in the tournament. She has six goals in four games to start the World Cup year.
Brazil beat Japan in its opener and then lost to Canada on Saturday to leave itself three points back of the Americans.
The Seleção are one goal back of Canada on goal differential, so they need Japan to beat or draw with the Canadians in the first of the two Wednesday games to have a shot at winning the tournament.
Wednesday's clash at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas will be for the tournament win, but it could also serve as a preview for a knockout-round game at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.
The USWNT entered the SheBelieves Cup at No. 1 in the FIFA world rankings, while Brazil is ninth.
USWNT Looks to Keep Up Perfect Start in 2023
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The USWNT is 4-0-0 in 2023 thanks to a pair of wins over New Zealand and two victories in the SheBelieves Cup.
The Americans now have a five-game winning streak that opened with a victory in the last game of 2022.
Alex Morgan and Co. needed a fast start to the World Cup year after they struggled with England, Spain and Germany toward the end of 2022.
The USWNT comes into Wednesday with more clarity in the defensive positions. Alana Cook and Naomi Girma have played well at center back, and Becky Sauerbrunn provides valuable experience as either the first backup at the position or as a starter next to Cook or Girma.
Emily Fox has taken control of one of the fullback positions, while Crystal Dunn or Sofia Huerta could be used on the opposite side of the North Carolina Courage player.
In midfield, the USWNT has a core of Taylor Kornieck, Lindsey Horan and Andi Sullivan to work to fill the defensive-minded position left open by Julie Ertz.
The Americans did not need to worry about their attack as much as the back line, but they received reassurances that their top players are in terrific form.
Swanson has been on fire in front of the net in 2023, and she is combined with Morgan, who should be one of the first teams on Andonovski's World Cup team sheet.
A trio of Swanson, Morgan and Sophia Smith should wreak havoc on opposing defenses at the World Cup. Smith finished 2022 with four goals in six games, and she is currently working her way back from a foot injury.
The USWNT seemed to answer some potential World Cup roster questions in the last two months, and it would be great for the program to finish off the run of games with a SheBelieves Cup title.
The Americans only need a draw to clinch the trophy, but a win against one of the top teams in the world would serve as a nice statement of intent as the World Cup draws closer.
Brazil Banking On Debinha, Marta to Challenge USWNT
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Debinha and Marta are two of the best players of their generation, and they will test the USWNT back line.
The two Brazil legends have 172 international goals between them, and Debinha scored the team's lone goal in the SheBelieves Cup in the opener against Japan.
The American defense has played well in 2023, but it will be challenged by two of the most experienced players in the game.
Brazil's top players should use Wednesday's game as a litmus test for themselves heading into the World Cup.
The South Americans have been drawn with France and Jamaica in Group F. The winner of the Paraguay-Panama intercontinental playoff will join them in Australia. Four groups will play in Australia, and the other four will be located in New Zealand.
A strong performance is vital for Brazil to feel the best about itself going into the World Cup. Debinha and Marta will play a huge role in testing the USWNT defense on Wednesday and in attempting to win Group F this summer.
Conversely, the containment of Brazil's two stars would be a huge boost for the USWNT defense as it continues to build confidence ahead of the summer.
Prediction
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United States 2, Brazil 1
The USWNT has been the more consistent team in the SheBelieves Cup.
The Americans have the tournament's in-form striker in Swanson, and she and the collection of attackers around her should create a bevy of chances against a Brazilian defense that conceded twice against Canada.
Brazil will test the American back line and score its first goal of 2023 on Wednesday, but there is too much firepower on the American side for the Seleção to match for 90 minutes.
Expect Swanson, Morgan and a few others to have several scoring opportunities as the Americans try to lock up their fourth straight SheBelieves Cup.
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