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USA vs Brazil score, highlights, result, analysis as Lindsey Horan header gives USWNT first W Gold Cup title

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Two weeks ago, after defeat to Mexico in the final group-stage match, it felt as if the USWNT had miles to go as they looked to recover from Women’s World Cup humiliation nearly a year prior.

After the final whistle on Sunday in San Diego, as the U.S. topped Brazil 1-0 in the W Gold Cup final, it feels as if that recovery process is actually well on its way.

It was far from perfect, but a goal from Lindsey Horan was enough to see the United States lift the trophy at Snapdragon Stadium. Horan was brilliant, carrying this flawed team at multiple turns both in the final and throughout the entire knockout-stage run.

Twila Kilgore made the call to bench in-form winger Jaedyn Shaw and instead put attacking midfielder Rose Lavelle in that role, to minimal effect. Yet Horan’s tenacious play kept the U.S. in the ascendancy throughout the 90 minutes against a physical Brazil squad up for the task. The visitors came to play, but lacked just a bit of cutting edge and were overwhelmed on talent in the end.

The Sporting News followed the USA vs. Brazil match live, providing score updates, commentary and highlights as they happened.

USA vs Brazil final score

  Score Goal scorers
USA 1 Horan (45′)
Brazil 0 –

Kickoff: 8:15 p.m. ET / 5:15 p.m. PT
Location: Snapdragon Stadium (San Diego, CA)
Referee: Melissa Borjas (HON)

Starting lineups:

USA (4-2-3-1, right to left): 1. Naeher (GK) — 23. Fox, 12. Davidson, 4. Girma, 19. Dunn (Krueger, 86′) — 10. Horan, 17. Coffey (Purce, 71′) — 22. Rodman (Shaw, 71′), 15. Albert, 16. Lavelle (L. Williams, 46′) — 7. Morgan (S. Smith, 60′).

Brazil (3-4-3, right to left): 1. Luciana (GK) — 2. Antonia, 3. Tarcianne, 5. Ferreira — 20. Sampaio (Julia, 79′), 21. Santos (Yaya, 57′), 6. Ribiero, 11. Leal — 10. Beatriz (Debinha, 79′), 9. Nunes (Geyse, 65′), 18. Portilho.

USA vs Brazil analysis

Jaedyn Shaw, Alyssa Naeher win W Gold Cup individual awards

Jaedyn Shaw was awarded the Golden Ball for the 2024 W Gold Cup, which would have been an awkward one for Twila Kilgore to explain if the U.S. had lost and the Golden Ball winner wasn’t in the starting lineup. Shaw finished as the leading scorer for the U.S. in this tournament, and was two off the W Gold Cup leader Adriana Leon of Canada.

Meanwhile, Alyssan Naeher won the Golden Glove for the tournament’s best goalkeeper, which is no surprise after her heroics in the semifinal against Canada.

Lindsey Horan’s USWNT leadership reaching legendary status

Lindsey Horan’s goal provided the difference in the W Gold Cup final, which in and of itself would have been enough to place her as a match-winner and title-winner. Yet her value to this USWNT squad is so much more than goals.

The USWNT captain is undeniably the team’s most important and most valuable player, leading a patchwork and inexperienced midfield in a system that places high importance on the middle of the pitch both on and off the ball.

As the U.S. transitions to a new era of players and ushers out a host of legendary figures, Horan’s dominance and work rate on the field, combined with her filling the power vacuum off it, is vital to the health of this world-class side as they look to return to their spot atop the world rankings and push towards this summer’s Olympics.

Twila Kilgore lineup quirks still need sorting

The United States may have won the W Gold Cup title, but there are still some concerns from a coaching perspective. Twila Kilgore got it very wrong with her starting lineup today as Rose Lavelle, one of the world’s most effective creative midfielders, was totally wasted out wide, while the eventual Golden Ball winner Jaedyn Shaw was stuck on the bench.

Kilgore submitted a number of head-scratching starting lineups throughout this tournament, and while some of them worked out well, others were papered over by the superior talent in the U.S. squad, which would have been potentially punished by stronger opposition from Europe.

The U.S. must sort this out as they move towards this summer’s Olympics, because they can’t get away with those kind of mistakes against the likes of England and France. The best players must be fit and ready to play in a condensed tournament, and while the other individuals within the squad will get time to give the starters rest, there needs to be a clear pecking order.

USA vs Brazil live updates, highlights, commentary

FULLTIME: USA 1-0 Brazil

Initially the referee fakes everyone out on the final whistle, but eventually, it’s all over! The USWNT win the 2024 W Gold Cup title! It’s a gritty comeback for the U.S. from the defeat to Mexico, as they run the table in the knockout stage.

The decision to start Rose Lavelle out of position backfired as the U.S. lacked creativity throughout, but they gained a foothold on the match midway through the first half and never let up in midfield. Horan’s goal opened the door, and the U.S. midfield dragged the side through it from there.

USA vs Brazil: Second Half

90+4 min: Chance, USA! The U.S. nearly finish the deal with another excellent bit of high pressing, but can’t capitalize! Korbin Albert snatches the ball off a Brazil defender at the top of the penalty area but her shot is right at the goalkeeper!

90+2 min: With five minutes of stoppage time shown, there’s a real issue for Sophia Smith who needs treatment while on her rear holding her ankle. It looks like a genuine injury that she will have to sort out here.

85th min: Chance, Brazil! The visitors nearly make the most of a set-piece, but it deflects wide! Geyse gets on the end of Yasmim’s Ribeiro’s delivery, but can’t nod the ball on target! It’s a wildly audacious flick, but skitters just wide of the far post.

Following the chance, Crystal Dunn is replaced by Casey Krueger at left-back.

79th min: Chance, USA! Lynn Williams looks to have sealed it for the U.S. but the offside flag is up! Williams presses hard and wins the ball off Antonia snoozing in possession, and combines with Midge Purce to steal the goal, but she is definitely leaning over the line as she gets the return ball.

In the aftermath, Debinha and Julia enter for Beatriz and Duda Santos.

75th min: The U.S. has a good chance from the penalty spot, but it’s blocked well by a scrambling Brazil back line. This second half has been all USWNT, and Brazil has had very little by way of response.

65th min: There’s another change for Brazil as young forward Geyse replaces Gabi Nunes. A few minutes later, Twila Kilgore makes another two substitutions as Jaedyn Shaw and Midge Purce come on for Trinity Rodman and Sam Coffey.

59th min: Alex Morgan gives a Brazilian defender a shove in the back while chasing a long ball, and gets a long talking to from the official, as she continues to laugh. She’s lucky not to pick up a second yellow card, and the referee makes that very clear.

Sure enough, Twila Kilgore protects her veteran leader and withdraws her, introducing Sophia Smith. And with that, the Alex Morgan No. 7 era comes to an end. Brazil makes a change as well, bringing Yaya for Duda Santos.

54th min: The U.S. have been much better since halftime, and Lindsey Horan is back on the field which is promising. It’s been all USWNT attacking pressure since the restart.

Of course, just as we say that, Alex Morgan is booked for a late foul near midfield. She has a long laugh about the decision.

50th min: There’s a real concern here for the USWNT as captain Lindsey Horan is down receiving treatment for what looks to be an injured shoulder after being bowled over from behind in the first corner of the half. She’s laying on her back inside the six-yard box and being worked on, in a good bit of pain.

Kickoff: They’re back out for the final 45 minutes. There is a change, as Lynn Williams comes on for Rose Lavelle. It seems harsh on Lavelle, who was pidgeonholed out wide in a position which is far from her best.

HALFTIME: USA 1-0 Brazil

The first 45 minutes seemed to be a stalemate, as Brazil came to play against the W Gold Cup hosts United States, but couldn’t put any end product on their feisty attitude and midfield physicality. The USWNT seemed a bit tired and overwhelmed, unable to match Brazil’s high press and coming up short on creativity.

Then, Lindsey Horan happened. The U.S. captain headed a simple looping cross from Emily Fox into the net, and the hosts went into the break up front.

The USWNT finished the first half much better, but overall, the formation was not up to standards. Rose Lavelle was invisible on the wing, completely wasted out wide while Korbin Albert struggled in the No. 10 role. Even though they lead, there should be changes at the break, because overall the buildup struggled mightily — the likes of Jaedyn Shaw, Sophia Smith, and Jenna Nighswonger would be far better equipped to take advantage of the high Brazil line.

USA vs Brazil: First Half

45th min: GOAL! USA! LINDSEY HEADS THE U.S. INTO THE LEAD! It’s a simple goal, as a high, looping cross by Emily Fox from deep down the right flank is met by the U.S. captain, who leaps above both a teammate and Brazilian defender, and buries it inside the side netting!

40th min: There’s a scary moment for the hosts as Lindsey Horan gets tangled up with Duda Santos during the scrum of a U.S. penalty, and is down holding her leg, in a bit of pain. She’s able to get up without needing treatment, and recovers to get on the end of Rose Lavelle’s delivery, but it’s held by Luciana.

37th min: Brazil have lost their stranglehold on the match, and have begun looking for fouls as a result. It’s gotten very physical, and has the potential to boil over if a lid is not kept on the pot. Sam Coffey is whistled for tripping Duda Santos who requires treatment.

31st min: It’s the best chance for the U.S. yet, as Lindsey Horan and Alex Morgan beat the back line at pace. Horan feeds it vertically for Morgan, who comes incredibly close to latching on the end of it, but is just barely beaten to it by Luciana who comes off her line expertly.

22nd min: Chance, USA! The U.S. is unlocked by a simple ball over the top of the back line, leading to a long-range chipped shot from Adriana Leal that very nearly beats Alyssa Naeher over the top! That’s so so close, just skimming the top of the crossbar.

13th min: The U.S. has not been able to get a hold of the ball for long stretches, still without any meaningful attacking possession. A foul by Alex Morgan gives possession back to Brazil as she pressed their defensive line. They’ve been very slow to make decisions on the ball, taking time they just don’t have.

That has led Brazil to spring their press, as Alyssa Naeher gets trapped deep near her own end line and gives it away, but isn’t punished as the resulting shot sails well high. The U.S. cannot survive too many of those mistakes in dangerous positions.

10th min: Chance, Brazil! The visitors have a free-kick from about 25 yards out, shaded just slightly to the right of center out top the top of the penalty area. It’s taken by Duda Sampaio, who looks to curl a stunner into the top-right corner, and comes very close to finishing the deal, but doesn’t quite get the bend needed, sending it just inches wide!

8th min: It’s been a quiet opening 10 minutes but Brazil have the first half-chance of the match as Gabi Portilho dribbles into the six-yard box on the right, but the ball rolls off her feet amidst pressure and Alyssa Naeher can pounce.

2nd min: Looks like the USWNT is lined up in the traditional 4-2-3-1 rather than the 4-4-2 diamond that the U.S. lineup seemed to suggest. That means, yes, Rose Lavelle is on the wing while Jaedyn Shaw drops to the bench, which makes very little tactical sense from our vantage point. Of course, we’ll see how it plays out, as Twila Kilgore has already been vindicated a few times this tournament for her lineup quirks.

Kickoff: They’re under way at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego! A trophy is on the line in the first-ever CONCACAF W Gold Cup final!

USA vs Brazil: Pre-match commentary, analysis, stats, and more

15 mins to kickoff: The U.S. women will wear their blues tonight, after playing three straight matches in the white paint splatter kits.

The U.S has been dominant with a trophy on the line, unbeaten in their last nine championship games since falling in the 2011 Women’s World Cup final on a penalty shootout. Time for the USWNT to try and defend CONCACAF from South American intervention!

30 mins to kickoff: This will be the fourth all-time matchup between these two national teams in finals alone. The U.S. has won each of the previous three, all by a one-goal margin.

In fact, the first of these meetings was in the 2000 CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup final, in which a 44th minute goal from Tiffeny Milbrett was enough to give the U.S. a 1-0 victory in Foxboro, MA. They also met in the 2004 Olympics gold medal match in Athens, a 2-1 win for the USWNT thanks to a 122nd minute winner by Abby Wambach.

Most recently, the U.S won a 1-0 victory in the 2008 Olympics as a 96th minute goal by Carli Lloyd secured the gold medal for the United States.

45 mins to kickoff: There’s a big call for Brazil too, as head coach Arthur Elias chooses to bench veteran forward Debinha, with Gabi Nunes given the start up front. Nunes plays for Levante in Spain, with seven goals and three assists in 18 top flight games this season.

It’s fitting, too, because today is Nunes’ birthday, she turns 27 on the day of the final!

1 hour to kickoff: The U.S. lineup is in! It’s a big call from Twila Kilgore as young breakout star Jaedyn Shaw is benched as the USWNT go with four midfielders.

1 hour 30 mins to kick: Brazil has conceded one goal the entire W Gold Cup tournament, but they suffered a massive blow ahead of the final against the U.S. The side’s most experienced defender, Rafaelle, will miss the match after fracturing her left foot during the semifinal win over Mexico.

That could mean a bigtime spot start for 21-year-old defender Laruen, who signed with the Kansas City Current last year and has yet to break into the first team squad.

1 hour 45 mins to kick: After finally returning from nearly two years on the sidelines with an ACL injury, Catarina Macario is thriving since her comeback for Chelsea. She scored off the bench in her debut for the club a week ago, and did the same in another substitute appearance today in the Women’s FA Cup.

The USWNT are enjoying a few breakout performances from forwards in this W Gold Cup, but what a massive boost  an in-form Cat Macario would be in this summer’s Olympics if she can prove her value to the squad. They are in desperate need of a true No. 9, and while that’s not her best position, she’s proving capable in that spot. The possibility of Macario proving ready for an Olympic roster spot appears more and more likely each time she finds the back of the net.

2 hours to kickoff: In Wednesday’s mudbath, Alyssa Naeher cemented her place amongst USWNT goalkeeping lore with her penalty-shootout heroics, not only saving three Canadian efforts but also scoring one herself in a legendary performance.

Having already earned her 100th international cap in the win over Colombia days earlier, Naeher was the talk of the town after the game, as Sophia Smith and Alex Morgan were amazed with her starring role. “She was a hero tonight,” Smith said of the U.S. goalkeeper.

Who will be the hero against Brazil? If the U.S. is to take home the silverware, they’ll need at least one player to step up into that role.

USA vs Brazil lineups, team news

Interim head coach Twila Kilgore has upended the natural order of the USWNT starting lineup, using some of the team’s most popular regulars like Sophia Smith, Rose Lavelle, and Emily Sonnett as impact subs through the quarterfinals and semifinals to great effect.

Instead, Jaedyn Shaw has been prolific in a starting role, but has been benched for this final in a big call by Kilgore. Korbin Albert and Sam Coffey have been the ones to start in midfield, and they retain their places alongside the introduction of Lavelle. The center-back pairing of Naomi Girma and Tierna Davidson has been solid, but Emily Fox struggled defensively against Canada.

USA starting lineup (4-2-3-1): Naeher (GK) — Fox, Davidson, Girma, Dunn — Horan, Coffey — Rodman, Albert, Lavelle — Morgan.

USA subs (11): Murphy (GK), Campbell (GK), Dahlkemper, Sauerbrunn, Nighswonger, Krueger, Sonnett, L. Williams, Purce, Moultrie, Shaw.

Other than the recent retirement of Marta, all other Brazilian veterans are still producing at a high level. Most notably, striker Debinha is going strong at 32 years old, supported by a host of quality attacking talent.

Her club teammate at KC Current, Bia Zaneratto, also sports over 100 international caps and comes off the bench. Manchester United’s 25-year-old forward Geyse has also made an impact as a substitute, but Orlando Pride defender Rafaelle will miss this match due to a fractured foot, which is a major blow to Brazil’s stout defense.

Brazil starting lineup (3-4-3): Luciana (GK) — Antonia, Tarcianne, Ferreira — Sampaio, Santos, Ribiero, Leal — Beatriz, Debinha, Portilho.

Brazil subs (11): Amanda (GK), Yasmim, Bia Menezes, Ary, Bianchi, Milene, Duda Santos, Vitoria, Zaneratto, Geyse, A. Gomes.

How to watch USA vs Brazil

  • Date: Sunday, March 10, 2024

  • Time: 8:15 p.m. ET / 5:15 p.m. PT

  • TV (English): None

  • Streaming (English): Paramount+

  • TV (Spanish): ESPN Deportes

  • Streaming (Spanish): Fubo, ESPN+, WatchESPN


The English-language broadcast rights in the USA to the entire 2024 W Gold Cup are owned by CBS Sports, who are streaming every match exclusively on Paramount+ including the final between USA and Brazil.

There is also a Spanish-language broadcast on ESPN Deportes, which can be streamed on Fubo, who offer a free trial for new users. This can also be streamed on ESPN+ or WatchESPN.





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