- USA retain the SheBelieves Cup after winning all of their matches without conceding a goal
- Several new players started in a tournament that lasted six days
- The United States, along with Brazil and Canada, prepare for the Tokyo Olympics
For the fourth time in six attempts, the United States won the SheBelieves Cup, which brought together four teams. And for the third time, the hostesses of the competition did so by winning all their matches and without conceding a single goal.
The world champions, however, did not have it easy against Brazil, who finished in second place, let alone against Canada. All three countries have qualified for the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament, Tokyo 2020, which will take place next July. Argentina, chosen to replace Japan, suffered in the Orlando-based competition, but will be able to learn valuable lessons from their three encounters against teams in the world’s top 10.
SheBelieves Cup 2021 results
Brazil 4-1 Argentina
United States 1-0 Canada
United States 2-0 Brazil
Argentina 0-1 Canada
Canada 0-2 Brazil
United States 6-0 Argentina
To remember :
Life in Rose continues: Rose Lavelle, one of the top players at the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019 β’, continued her momentum and proved that she is now one of the top midfielders in international football. Lavelle was named the tournament’s best player, ahead of her teammate Christen Press and Brazilians Adriana and Debinha.
Make way for young people: This edition of the SheBelieves Cup was an opportunity for each of the four nations involved to give a chance to candidates who have never or rarely been called up for selection. Thus, the world champions tested five players who had five or less capes, including Sophie Smith, who had shone at the 2018 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. But despite all these new faces, it is a seasoned player to say the least, Megan Rapinoe, who finished top scorer of the event, with three goals.
New chapter for Canucks : Six months after being named, Canada’s new coach Beverly Priestman was finally able to make her debut on the bench. A delicate entry, since for various reasons, several Canucks were missing, including top scorer in international football, Christine Sinclair. But the Canadian succession seems to be assured, like the 21-year-old midfielder Sarah Stratigakis, who scored her first international goal in added time of the game against Argentina, giving the victory to her team.
Sundhage brings colors back to Brazil: Appointed in 2019 to lead the Brazilian selection, Pia Sundhage seems to be succeeding in her bet, namely to hand over the Canarinhas on the right path after several years of doubt. The Brazilians beat Argentina and Canada and in between, conceded their only defeat in the competition against the United States, with two goals conceded, at the start and then at the end of the game.
Awarded heroes: The American Football Federation, US Soccer, issued 600 tickets to allow as many caregivers to attend the final day of matches, in appreciation for their hard work over the past year. The federation also paid tribute to the nursing staff by planning a special moment for them in the stadium during the match.
On the way to Tokyo: The Tokyo Olympics will be an opportunity for the United States to forget the disappointment of 2016, when the quadruple gold medalists were eliminated in the quarterfinals. Canada, meanwhile, have won bronze in the last two editions of the competition, the last time over Brazil, two-time silver medalists in the competition.
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Rose Lavelle #16 of USA heads the ball against Desiree Scott #11 of Canada during the 2021 SheBelieves Cup
Feb 19 2021
ORLANDO, FL – FEBRUARY 18: Rose Lavelle #16 of USA heads the ball against Desiree Scott #11 of Canada during the SheBelieves Cup at Exploria Stadium on February 18, 2021 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images)
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Rose Lavelle #16 of USA celebrates with Christen Press #23 after scoring a goal against Canada during the 2021 SheBelieves Cup
Feb 19 2021
ORLANDO, FL – FEBRUARY 18: Rose Lavelle #16 of USA celebrates with Christen Press #23 after scoring a goal against Canada during the SheBelieves Cup at Exploria Stadium on February 18, 2021 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images)
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Alex Morgan #13 of USA warms up during the 2021 SheBelieves Cup match against Canada in Orlando
Feb 19 2021
ORLANDO, FL – FEBRUARY 18: Alex Morgan #13 of United States warms up on the sideline during the first half against Canada in the SheBelieves Cup at Exploria Stadium on February 18, 2021 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Alex Menendez/ Getty Images)
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Nichelle Prince #15 of Canada attempts to steal the ball against Margaret Purce #20 of USA during the 2021 SheBelieves
Feb 19 2021
ORLANDO, FL – FEBRUARY 18: Nichelle Prince #15 of Canada attempts to steal the ball against Margaret Purce #20 of USA during the 2021 SheBelieves Cup at Exploria Stadium on February 18, 2021 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Alex Menendez/ Getty Images)
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Becky Sauerbrunn #4 of USA blocks a shot attempt by Deanne Rose #6 of Canada during the 2021 SheBelieves Cup
Feb 19 2021
ORLANDO, FL – FEBRUARY 18: Becky Sauerbrunn #4 of USA blocks a shot attempt by Deanne Rose #6 of Canada during the SheBelieves Cup at Exploria Stadium on February 18, 2021 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Alex Menendez/ Getty Images)
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Adriana #14 of Brazil celebrates her goal against Romina Nunez
Feb 18 2021
ORLANDO, FL – FEBRUARY 18: Adriana #14 of Brazil celebrates her goal against Romina Nunez #18 of Argentina during the SheBelieves Cup at Exploria Stadium on February 18, 2021 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Alex Menendez/ Getty Images)
Β© Getty Images
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Adriana #14 of Brazil shoots the ball against Romina Nunez #18 of Argentina
Feb 18 2021
ORLANDO, FL – FEBRUARY 18: Adriana #14 of Brazil shoots the ball against Romina Nunez #18 of Argentina during the SheBelieves Cup at Exploria Stadium on February 18, 2021 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Alex Menendez/ Getty Images)
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2021 SheBelieves Cup – Brazil v Argentina
Feb 18 2021
ORLANDO, FL – FEBRUARY 18: Debinha #9, Beatriz #16 and Chu #15 of Brazil celebrate a goal against Argentina during the SheBelieves Cup at Exploria Stadium on February 18, 2021 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Alex Menendez/ Getty Images)
Β© Getty Images
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Brazil players stand for their national anthem prior to the match against Argentina during the SheBelieves Cup at Exploria Stadium
Feb 18 2021
ORLANDO, FL – FEBRUARY 18: Brazil players stand for their national anthem prior to the match against Argentina during the SheBelieves Cup at Exploria Stadium on February 18, 2021 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Alex Menendez/ Getty Images)
Β© Getty Images
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Marta #10 of Brazil escapes from Clarisa Huber #8 of Argentina during the SheBelieves Cup at Exploria Stadium
Feb 18 2021
ORLANDO, FL – FEBRUARY 18: Marta #10 of Brazil escapes from Clarisa Huber #8 of Argentina during the SheBelieves Cup at Exploria Stadium on February 18, 2021 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Alex Menendez/ Getty Images)
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