In the opening match of the 6th annual She Believes Cup, Marta and the Brazilian National Team defeated Argentina by a 4-1 margin. From kickoff, tensions were high between the South American rivals. Within the first twenty minutes, two yellow cards were issued. As the game progressed, both sides were delivering crunching tackles left and right, one of which resulted in a penalty kick for Brazil in the 30th minute. 6 time FIFA World Player of the Year Marta stepped up to the spot after the foul, burying her penalty kick and scoring her 109th goal for Brazil. Former USWNT head coach Pia Sundhage’s side held Argentina scoreless in the first half.

In the second half, Brazil began to combine and capitalize on their opportunities. In the 47th minute, Debinha who plays for the North Carolina Courage of the NWSL passed the ball into the back of the net off a slotted pass from Beatriz, adding to the Brazilian tally. With increased momentum, Brazil’s Adriana scored in the 54th minute to make it 3-0. In the 60th minute Mariana Larroquette’s header off of the post snuck into the back of the net, earning one for the Argentines. Larroquette recently signed with Kansas City NWSL. Despite increased pressure and determination from Argentina, Geyse of Brazil added the fourth and final goal of the match in the 82nd minute.

Ranked 31st in the world, the Argentines made a name for themselves in the 2019 Women’s World Cup. They were responsible for one of the most stunning group-play comebacks in Women’s World Cup history, tying Scotland 3-3 after trailing 3-0 for the majority of the match. Brazil, ranked 8th in the world is tied with Canada for that position. Though Brazil has yet to win a World Cup, they continued to prove why they are one of the top teams in the world.

Argentina was without star midfielders Estefania Banini and Florencia Bonsegundo, but the team looked relatively strong, especially since they were a late addition to the tournament, taking Japan’s place. As reported by the FOX Sports Broadcast team, Banini and Bonsegundo’s disagreements with Head Coach Carlos Borello resulted in their omission from the roster. Borello has been in charge of the team since 1998, much to the chagrin of some of his players. Argentina was also without starting Goalkeeper Venina Correa of RCD Espanyol. Correa was unable to make the trip from Spain due to positive COVID-19 tests.

Initially rusty, Brazil’s dominance and creativity on the pitch became evident as the game progressed.

Brazil will return to play on Sunday at 3PM EST against the USWNT on FS1 and TUDN

Argentina will face off against Canada on Sunday at 6PM EST on FS2 and the TUDN App