Canada downs Brazil at SheBelieves Cup

ATLANTA — Canada recovered from a poor first half on Saturday, defeating Brazil 4-2 in a penalty shootout at the SheBelieves Cup to earn a date with the United States in Tuesday’s final.

The 10th-ranked Brazilians pressed hard and had the upper hand for most of a match that did not see the best of No. 9 Canada until late in the game with centre back Vanessa Gilles scoring to tie the contest at 1-1 in the 77th minute.

Canada coach Bev Priestman liked the response from her team if not all of the performance. “It wasn’t the perfect game but I’m really happy with the mindset of the group to pull through and do whatever it takes win,” she said.

It was a second straight shootout for the Canadians, who lost the CONCACAF W Gold Cup semifinal 3-1 to the U.S. on March 6 in a shootout after extra time finished tied at 2-2.

There was no extra time this time. Unlike the W Gold Cup, Canada was on target, with the exception of Ashley Lawrence who shot high to open the shootout.

Adriana Leon, Jade Rose, Simi Awujo and Julia Grosso scored from the penalty spot with Grosso slotting home the winning spot kick, as she did in the final of the Tokyo Olympics.

Cristiane and Tarciane scored in the shootout for Brazil, which brought on goalkeeper Lorena in second-half stoppage time, replacing Tai Borges for the shootout. Kailen Sheridan stopped Marta while Antonia shot wide.

“[Sheridan] can make saves I’ve not seen other goalkeepers do,” said Priestman, who cited the “bravery” of 20-year-old Awujo and 21-year-old Rose to step up in the shootout.

Brazil led 1-0 at half-time and should probably have had a bigger lead after coming out with intent at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Brazilian pressure translated into a string of Canadian turnovers, with the Brazilians quick to launch a counter-attack.