Here’s what went down:
Semi Finals:
United States 2-1 Japan
The United States recovered from an almost instant setback to overcome Japan 2-1 to claim victory in front of a record crowd for a friendly match in Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Nadeshiko went ahead within a minute as midfield prodigy Momoko Tanikawa set up Kiko Seike who drove down the wing and beat Alyssa Naeher to raise hopes of a shock. Returning star Mallory Swanson almost equalised in the 15th minute, but her effort was cleared off the line. However, the Stars and Stripes regained parity in the 21st minute as Sam Coffey teed up wonderkid Jaedyn Shaw to score her 7th goal for the team.
In a tight contest, both the USA and Japan had chances to go ahead, with goalkeepers on top at either end, and the Japanese particularly adept at disrupting play through tactical fouls. In the 63rd minute, Trinity Rodman was replaced by Sophia Smith, who was bundled over in the 77th minute. This gave Lindsey Horan a chance to set up and the Lyon star buried the ball from the spot to give the hosts a lead.
Moments later, there was another welcome return as Chelsea star Catarina Macario returned to national duty after missing the World Cup due to injury. Japan were able to fashion a couple of half-chances, but the whistle went soon, as Twila Kilgore’s team progressed to the final.
Canada 1-1 Brazil (Canada win 4-2 on penalties)
Kailen Sheridan starred in a dramatic penalty shootout as Canada overcame Brazil to reach the SheBelieves Cup final in Atlanta. The visitors won an early 1st half penalty to take the lead, as Jade Rose fouled Ludmila as she drove into the box. Defender Tarciane stepped up and confidently dispatched into the bottom corner to give the Selecao the lead.
Canada struggled to get a foothold in the game and were grateful to Sheridan for keeping them in it, as Brazil profited from fast breaks and counter attacks. However, Bev Priestman’s side did respond well to multiple second-half changes and drew level in the 77th minute. Captain Jessie Fleming was the architect as her perfectly flighted set piece was dispatched by Vanessa Gilles for her 4th goal for her country. With seconds before the penalty shootout started, Brazil twisted to replace Oliveira with Lorena.
In the shootout, Ashley Lawrence blazed over before Sheridan saved from Brazil legend Marta. Adriana Leon and Cristiane both scored, before Jade Rose dispatched for Canada.
Antonia then blazed wide for the South American side, before Simi Awujo gave Brazil a 2 goal buffer. Despite Tarciane beating Sheridan again, Julia Grosso kept her cool to ensure Canada reached the final.
Third Place Playoff:
Brazil 1-1 Japan (Brazil win 3-0 on penalties)
Brazil triumphed on penalties against Japan to claim the bronze medal in Ohio. The Blue Samurai took the lead after 35 minutes as Maika Hamano’s precise cross found Mina Tanaka and she kept her composure to slot home inside the box. Brazil continued to struggle against the pace and directness of their opponents, but did get let off as Tanaka faltered from the spot, failing to double their lead. This was compounded in the 71st minute as Cristiane collected a pass from Yasmim to equalise for the Selecao.
With the match level, Brazil once again faced a penalty shootout, which this time went in their favour. Kiko Seike, Fuka Nagano and Yui Hasegawa all failed to score, whilst Cristina, Tarciane and Angelina all scored from the spot to ensure Arthur Elias’s side secured 3rd place.
Final:
USA 2-2 Canada (USA win 5-4 on penalties)
The United States once again lifted the Shebelieves Cup after they triumphed over fierce rivals Canada in a tense and tight clash in Columbus. A strong start from the Canucks saw them take a deserved lead late in the first half, as two WSL stars combined. Deanne Rose set up Adriana Leon to continue her excellent national team form and put Bev Priestman’s side ahead at the break.
A fast start to the second half did see the Stars and Stripes deservedly equalise, however. This time it was two rising stars who made it happen as Jaedyn Shaw found Sophia Smith who marked her 46th cap with her 17th goal for her country. The Portland Thorns superstar then grabbed her 18th goal just 18 minutes later as she collected Trinity Rodman’s pass and finished confidently past Sheridan.
However, Canada were not out of the fight and equalised late on, as Crystal Dunn caught Leon inside the box. The Aston Villa attacker sent Naeher the wrong way to level the scores. Canada almost won the final in the 90th minute, but Buchanan’s header crashed back off the bar.
In the shootout, Jessie Fleming slammed Canada into the lead, before Trinity Rodman’s weak penalty was saved by Sheridan. Both Smith and Leon both scored from the spot, before Jade Rose’s miss allowed Alyssa Naeher to level the scores. Horan kept her nerve whilst Lacasse faltered, but Emily Sonnett also failed to score which allowed Grosso to level and send it into sudden death. Abby Dahlkemper and Ashley Lawrence both scored in the 6th round of spot-kicks, but Roma striker Evelyne Viens could only strike straight at Naeher. This gave Emily Fox the chance to win the shootout and trophy for the USA - a chance which she took with some composure.
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