After the first day of the 2021 SheBelieves Cup, the USA and Brazil found wins over their rivals Canada and Argentina. As the tournament enters day two, all four teams will look to fight to solidify themselves as title contenders. The SheBelieves Cup continues with the battle for supremacy and relevancy!
The SheBelieves Cup continues
Day two sees one huge bout and one match of desperation. The USWNT takes on Brazil. Both sides were able to beat their rivals in the first. These two teams are the favorites in the tournament, and they get to go head to head on day two. Canada and Argentina were on the losing side of their first games. The two are now opposed on day two. A loss for either side would knock them out of the condition. Let’s take a look at the battle for supremacy first, then the battle for relevancy.
The battle for supremacy
Today (Feb 21, 2021) at 3:00 pm ET the USWNT takes on Brazil. The match features the top two teams in the standings. Brazil is ahead of the USA because of goal differential. This Brazilian side, under ex-USWNT Pia Sundhage, has been impressive in their attacking transitional moments. They have adept attacking players who can interchange well especially in transition. Three of the four goals Brazil scored in their first match were because of impressive attacking play through their transition. This will be a major factor in their match against the USWNT.
For the USA, they will need to be on their A-game. A 1-0 win over Canada is a good result, but they will need to do more to beat Brazil. The US game is normally free-flowing through possession. This will need to be on full display today, as well as ruthless finishing. After only scoring one goal in their first match in the tournament, this side will need to make the most of their chances against an organized Brazil team that has shown they can score a lot of goals through transition. This match kicks off at 3:00 pm ET!
The battle for Relevancy
Canada and Argentina were both on the losing side in their first match of the 2021 SheBelieves Cup. If either side wants to stay relevant in this tournament, they will need to get a win. For Argentina, they proved they can be organized defensively. However, when they push forward they tend to get caught out by teams who like to counterattack. Argentina will need to pick their moments to go forward in the attack against a Canadian side that does like to hit teams on the counter.
Canada fell to the USWNT but stayed in the game for the majority of it. They proved that they were able to hold off a high-powered offense, and looked dangerous when they were able to gain a numbers advantage going forward. For this upcoming match, Canada will have the majority of possession, but the X-factor will be when Argentina comes out of its defensive shape. The young players of Canada will need to take it to the organized defense of Argentina and go for the kill once they break out of their shape to move forward. This match kicks off at 6:00 pm ET.
Day 2 of the SheBelieves cup
Day two kicks off Sunday, Feb. 21, 2021, with the USWNT taking on Brazil. Should one side win, they will be in the driver’s seat on the final day to win the Cup! Canada and Argentina will play the second game of the day. Both will be fighting to stay alive in the tournament. Don’t miss any of the action; You can watch the games on FS2, and TUDN!
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