Brazil defeats Argentina 4-1 in She Believes Cup

Six-time FIFA World Player of the Year Marta scores a goal for Brazil in its 4-1 demolition of Argentina.

Brazil's players celebrate during their win on Thursday. - TWITTER (@FIFAWWC)

Marta scored on a penalty kick in the 30th minute and Brazil went on to defeat Argentina 4-1 in the opening match of the SheBelieves Cup.

Marta, the six-time FIFA World Player of the Year, now has 109 career goals for Brazil. Debinha and Adriana added early second-half goals for Brazil, which is coached by former U.S. national team coach Pia Sundhage. Mariana Larroquette scored for Argentina in the 60th minute on Thursday to close the gap before Geyse added Brazil’s final goal.

The United States defeated Canada 1-0 in the second match of the doubleheader at Exploria Stadium on Thursday night. The round-robin tournament continues on Sunday.

Four Argentina players were ruled out of the match because of coronavirus protocols. One player tested positive and was isolated as well as being declared ineligible for the tournament.

Rose Lavelle with a second-half winner and Marta on target as USA and Brazil win derbies in opening #SheBelievesCup action

@USWNT 1-0 @CanadaSoccerEN

@CBF_Futebol 4-1 @Argentinapic.twitter.com/F7qZefbZso

— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) February 19, 2021

 

Another player was isolated after inconsistent test results. Contact tracing ruled out two additional players for Thursday’s match. The impacted players were not named.

Goalkeeper Laurina Oliveros was named to Argentina’s squad as an emergency replacement for the player ruled out for the tournament.