Julia Bianchi was one of two goal scorers for Brazil. Both goals were scored in the first half and both came from defensive errors on Canada’s part. For the third straight game, Canada struggled to find the back of the net, finishing the tournament with only one goal scored.
Brazil wins with two goals, including one from Julia Bianchi
Three keys to the game
Brazil took advantage of Canada’s chances
The two goals Brazil scored were from mistakes made by Team Canada. Jade Rose had a good game against Brazil, but she also gave up the first goal to Brazil. Her turnover resulted in Debinha scoring the opening goal for Brazil.
The same can be said of the second goal as Jayde Riviere’s header was intercepted by a Brazilian player, which resulted in Julia Bianchi scoring the second goal for Brazil late in the first half. This was also Bianchi’s second international goal scored and her first goal scored in the SheBelieves Cup.
Brazil had a terrific first half
A big reason why Brazil won the game was because of their first-half performance. They had 58 percent of the possession. They also had eight shots with three on target. Canada in comparison only had one shot and had zero shots on target. Brazil really turned it up after Canada gave up the first goal in the 14 or 15th of play.
More importantly, Brazil was able to hold Canada off in the first half. Canada hardly had any scoring chances.
First Half Summary:
Both teams made mistakes, but #SeleçãoFeminina is the only one taking advantage. #CANWNT only has one shot with none on target while Brazil had eight shots with three on target.
Brazil had 58 percent of the possession.#CANvBRA | 0-2 | #SheBelievesCup
— Last Word on Soccer (@LastWordSC) February 24, 2021
This allowed the pressure to be off the Brazilian defense and goalkeeper. However, it needs to be said that Brazilian goalkeeper Bárbara did not play very well. Throughout the game, she gave up lots of giveaways and was very fortunate that not one of those mistakes landed in the back of the net.
Canada failed to take advantage of its scoring chances
They were lots of chances for Canada to win the game against Brazil. This can be highlighted in the 42-minute, where the giveaway almost resulted in a goal. Nichelle Prince got the ball but shot the ball wide of the net, which was their only shot in the first half.
The second half was just full of opportunities for Team Canada. However, they were never able to capitalize on their chances. In the 71st minute, Adriana Leon almost connected to a cross but was not able to connect with the ball. Then in the 84th minute, Shelina Zadorsky had two chances to score, but both were stopped by Bárbara. Canada also had other chances but they either landed straight to the goalkeeper or were off target.
84' Shelina Zadorsky of #CANWNT had two chances to score but was stopped by the #SeleçãoFeminina goalkeeper. #BRAvCAN | 0-2 | #SheBelievesCup
— Raheem (@bashirra) February 24, 2021
Canada also had other chances but they either landed straight to the goalkeeper or were off target. They ended up with more shots and the same shots on goal than Brazil but did not have a goal to show for it.
Overview of Brazil’s 0-2 win over Canada
Canada strengths and weaknesses
Canada did not lose this game because they could not compete against Brazil. In the second half, Canada was clearly the better team, having 10 shots and having four on target. The difference however was in execution. Brazil was able to score whenever Canada made a mistake, but Canada was unable to capitalize on Brazil’s mistakes.
The biggest takeaway from the SheBelieves Cup is that Canada really needs Christine Sinclair and/or Jordyn Huitema if Canada is to score goals. The Canadians only scored one goal in the tournament. This goal was scored by Sarah Stratigakis, which came against Argentina for a late 0-1 win at Exploria Stadium. There were too many chances wasted in all their three games of the 2021 SheBelieves Cup. This issue was also talked about by Janine Beckie, who was not pleased with how Canada finished their chances.
Janine Beckie says the lack of scoring is frustrating and as a forward takes it on her back, along with other strikers. "There's no doubt we need to be putting the ball in the back of the end. That was very evident in this tournament."
— Sandra Prusina (@sprusina) February 24, 2021
The defense in comparison was much better despite Kadeisha Buchanan not playing in the SheBelieves Cup. However, they made some major mistakes against Brazil, which allowed them to score two goals.
Canada’s performance at the SheBelieves Cup and what is next
Overall, it was a disappointing tournament for Canada, as they could not get a point against either Brazil or the USA, both teams Canada was hopeful to get points against. There is also a need though to be fair to Team Canada. They suffered the most of the four teams with many absentees in the 2021 SheBelieves Cup. This includes Allysha Chapman and Quinn who got injured before the Canada vs. Brazil game took place according to Canada Soccer. Lastly, Riviere got injured during the game against Brazil and had to be replaced.
In the last ten match vs tier one teams, #CanWNT has a record of 0-8-2.
That includes 0-2-1 vs #Brazil.#CanWNT last beat a top side in April, 2019. 1-0 over England.
Canada takes on the #Lionesses on April 13. #SheBelievesCup #CanadaRED🇨🇦
— Har Journalist (@HarJournalist) February 24, 2021
Canada’s next game will be a friendly against England on April 13. This is yet another opportunity for Canada to get a result against a quality opponent. England was the one who eliminated Canada from the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, which took place in Canada.
