The head-to-head series between the U.S. Women’s National Team and Brazil has seen no shortage of dramatic matches.
In 1999, the USA pushed past Brazil, 2-0, in the semifinal of the World Cup in front of 73,123 fans on goals from now U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow and Michelle Akers. In the 2000 Olympics, the USA edged Brazil 1-0 on a goal from Mia Hamm. At the 2004 Olympics, Abby Wambach clinched the gold medal against Brazil with a game-winning header in overtime off a corner kick from Kristine Lilly. In 2008, Carli Lloyd followed suit in the Olympic Final, also against Brazil, scoring a dramatic overtime strike. In 2011, Wambach’s spectacular and famous header in the 122nd minute against Brazil tied the game and sent the World Cup quarterfinal matchup to penalty kicks – which the USA eventually won.
Fast forward to 2017, where a wild game once again ensued between the two perennial women’s soccer powers, this time on U.S. soil.
After falling behind 3-1 during the Tournament of Nations match in San Diego, the USA rallied to score three goals in nine minutes at the end of the match and came away with a dramatic 4-3 win.
