Brazil’s women left Beira-Rio with a 3-1 win over Argentina, blending a familiar superiority in this South American rivalry with a handful of World Cup-minded experiments. Luany, Geyse and Angelina supplied three outstanding first-half finishes as Brazil began their October international window with authority, before the sides move north to Recife for Tuesday’s rematch.
A commanding first half at Beira-Rio
The result extended Brazil’s record against Argentina to 19 victories, one draw and two defeats. Argentina coach Germán Portanova described Brazil as a “powerhouse” of the game, and the opening 45 minutes offered little reason to dispute that assessment.
- Duda Sampaio nearly struck from a free-kick in the third minute, after Brazil had worked on set-pieces in Friday’s training session.
- Luany opened the scoring in the 26th minute, controlling the ball inside the box before driving it into the top corner.
- Geyse made it 2-0 after 38 minutes with an acrobatic bicycle kick. Duda delivered the corner, Maiara redirected it into the central area and Geyse finished spectacularly.
- Brazil’s third arrived on 45 minutes: Duda’s long ball began the move, Luany provided the pass and Angelina completed it.
Brazil registered 16 attempts, five of them on target. Argentina had eight shots and also hit the target five times, although they created little in the final third until their second-half response.
A different defensive shape for Brazil
With Arthur Elias suspended, assistant Rodrigo Iglesias took charge and used the match to assess alternatives for the 2027 World Cup cycle. Brazil usually operate with three central defenders and two wide players, but this time began with a back four of Isabela, Isa Haas, Mariza and Raíssa Bahia.
The change was shaped both by Brazil’s longer-term planning and by what the staff had observed from Argentina during the year. The four defenders remained on the pitch at half-time to speak with Iglesias and assistant Jéssica de Lima, and largely restricted their opponents despite conceding once after the interval.
Further forward, Duda, Angelina and Geyse worked through central areas, while Maiara was given licence to drift. Luany and Tainá Maranhão provided width from the flanks.
Injury concern and new faces before Recife
Priscila entered in attack at the break, while Bruninha replaced Raíssa at full-back. Argentina pulled one back five minutes into the second half through Maricel Pereyra, but Brazil’s main concern became Bruninha, who injured her right knee and had to leave the field. She will undergo medical examinations, with Tamara Bolt introduced in her place.
- Jhonson and Clarinha were introduced in the 37th minute of the second half alongside Tamara Bolt.
- Clarinha made her senior debut after receiving her first call-up for matches; she had previously attended a training camp.
- In stoppage time, goalkeeper Carlinha came on, as did São Paulo defender Tayla for Isa Haas and Corinthians forward Jaqueline for Geyse.
- The late changes were brief because Iglesias had anticipated a longer period of added time.
Goalkeepers Thaís Lima and Yanne, defender Carol Gil and forward Marília were the only available players not used. They could feature in the second friendly, when defender Tarciane and forwards Kerolin and Bia Zaneratto are also expected to be available.
Second meeting in Recife
Brazil and Argentina meet again on Tuesday at 20:30 at Arena de Pernambuco in Recife. After a first match that combined three emphatic goals with tactical testing and two debuts, Brazil will have another chance to widen their squad options while monitoring the extent of Bruninha’s knee problem.
