SAN DIEGO, California – Brazil scored a goal nine minutes before the end and defeated Puerto Rico in the second match of Group B of the Concacaf W Gold Cup on Wednesday night at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, California.
Puerto Rico GK Sydney Martinez was key at the beginning of the match, just as she was in the Prelims, in stopping early balls coming her way from the Brazilian offensive line.
The Joga Bonito of Brazil came to life in the 21’ after FW Debinha sent a backheel pass to DF Beatriz Ferreira, who sent a low ball to the right side of Puerto Rico area, but the ball sailed wide.
Las Boricuas tried to get a goal in the 22’ when Captain Nickolette Driesse took a chance with a long-distance effort from outside the área, with Brazilian GK Luciana tipping it over the crossbar.
In one last effort for Brazil in the first half in the 45’+2, Debinha tried to get the scoring going, only to hit the post with her effort.
After another shot off the post in the second half, La Verde-Amarela finally managed to break Martinez's lock in the 81’ thanks to a collective play with an assist coming from the right side. FW Gabi Nunes, who was substituted in during the second half, connected with the ball at the back post to give Brazil the late win.
Nunes at the back post puts Brazil in front 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/rfF7xZ4pvr
— W Gold Cup (@GoldCup) February 22, 2024
Brazil will face Colombia to try to get to the top of Group B, whereas Puerto Rico will take the field against Panama to get their first points next Saturday evening.
