Brazil beat Mexico, finish second in Acapulco beach soccer cup

Brazil beat Mexico, finish second in Acapulco beach soccer cup

Last Saturday (11), the Brazilian Women’s Beach Soccer National Team wrapped up its Acapulco Cup campaign with a win. The match against host nation Mexico ended in a 5-0 Brazilian rout, which secured second place in the tournament. The United States team, which won all three matches, including its opener against Brazil, took the title. Japan finished third and Mexico came last.

The match between Brazil and Mexico looked set to be an easy one for the Brazilian team, but the Mexican players, fueled by the support of the home crowd, defended intensely and relied on several great saves from their goalkeeper in the first period. However, the 0-0 scoreline at the end of the opening period changed quickly in the second, when goalkeeper Valéria struck a beautiful long-range shot to score her first goal in a Brazil shirt. A few minutes later, on another shot toward goal from Valéria, winger Mayara stretched out her leg to redirect the ball and take the Mexican goalkeeper out of the play. The ball hit the back of the net, and Brazil went up 2-0.

In the third and final period, winger Taii stole the show. The player from Espírito Santo scored three goals—one from the penalty spot, one with a long-range shot, and another with a bicycle kick—bringing her total to 21 goals for the Women’s National Team and tying Dani Barboza’s record as the team’s all-time top scorer.

“It’s a very special moment to reach this personal milestone, but the most important thing will always be helping the National Team win. I was very happy with the three goals and our team’s victory,” said Taii.

Head coach Rose Andrade gave a positive assessment of Brazil’s campaign.

“We have to understand that we’re starting a new process, on and off the field. So we need to assess things more calmly and with a broader view, not just based on the result. We went from a third-place finish in El Salvador to second place in the Acapulco Cup, so there was progress, even knowing that we had every chance to be champions here in Mexico. Now we have to think about continuing the work so we can keep improving,” said the coach.

How Brazil’s campaign went up to the final round

Brazil made its debut in the women’s Acapulco Beach Soccer Cup on Thursday (9), against the United States. The match was considered an early final, as it featured the tournament’s two strongest teams. After leading 4-2, Brazil gave up the comeback in the third period and was defeated 5-4.

In the second round, the match against Japan became crucial to the ambitions of Rose Andrade’s team. Only a win would keep Brazil alive in the title race, so the players took the field at full strength. The 3-1 win came without any scares and sent the team into the third and final round still dreaming of the title.

Full Acapulco Women’s Beach Soccer Cup schedule (April 9 to 11) - Arena GNP, in Acapulco, MEX

Round 1 - Thursday, 4/9

• 5 p.m. (MEX) / 8 p.m. (BRA) - Brazil 4 x 5 USA - Brazil goals: Ester (2), Isabelle and Mayara

• 8 p.m. (MEX) / 11 p.m. (BRA) - Japan 4 x 0 Mexico

Round 2 - Friday, 4/10

• 5 p.m. (MEX) / 8 p.m. (BRA) - Brazil 3 x 1 Japan - Brazil goals: Adriele, Giulia and Mayara

• 8 p.m. (MEX) / 11 p.m. (BRA) - Mexico 0 x 7 USA

Round 3 - Saturday, 4/11

• 5 p.m. (MEX) / 8 p.m. (BRA) - USA 4 x 1 Japan

• 8 p.m. (MEX) / 11 p.m. (BRA) - Mexico 0 x 5 Brazil - Brazil goals: Taii (3), Mayara and Valéria

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.