With the World Cup set for this summer, many international teams are starting to get ready before this year’s tournament. For Brazil, their preparation begins at the annual SheBelieves Cup. The Brazilians will enter the tournament as the number nine ranked team in the world according to FIFA rankings. Here is a Brazil SheBelieves Cup Preview before February’s tournament.
Brazil SheBelieves Cup Preview: Another Shot at Trying to Win the SheBelieves Cup
Brazil have won the 2022 Copa America Femenina🏆
They add an impressive EIGHTH tournament title to their resume, increasing the gap as the most successful participants in the competition's history🇧🇷#CopaAmericaFeminina https://t.co/lD8DFYKvgS pic.twitter.com/9eCj8aKpVd
— The Athletic Soccer (@TheAthleticSCCR) July 31, 2022
Pre Tournament Form
After struggling at the start of 2022, Brazil went undefeated on their way to their eighth Copa America title. Last fall, Brazil played six friendly matches. They lost only once during that stretch to Canada on November 11, 2-1.
Brazil’s SheBelieves History
Brazil has twice been in the SheBelieves Cup in 2019 and 2021. In their first appearance in 2019, they finished in last place losing all three matchups against the United States, England, and Japan. They only managed to score twice during the whole tournament. Brazil fared much better when they came in second in the 2021 version of the tournament in Orlando. They only lost once to the eventual champion United States. The Brazilians tallied six goals including two from Debinha (including one goal in a win over the CanWNT).
Que ano, @Debinha7! ⚽️ 🇧🇷
Artilheira da #SeleçãoFeminina em 2022 com 10 gols, nossa atacante foi indicada ao prêmio de melhor jogadora pela @FIFAcom!
Acesse e deixe o seu voto: https://t.co/ivxKhwuiqS pic.twitter.com/wWN5yNpyaZ
— Seleção Feminina de Futebol (@SelecaoFeminina) January 12, 2023
Players to Watch
Brazil’s squad should end up being quite young looking at the squad they brought out for the November friendlies against Canada. However, the backline will most likely be led by a veteran presence in Tamires. The 35-year-old defender has 135 caps in her international career which makes her fourth on Brazil’s all-time list. The midfield should be highlighted by recent Orlando Pride signing Adriana. At just 26 she has already scored 12 goals internationally from 39 caps. The forwards surely will be led by veterans Debinha and Bia Zaneratto.
Both have amassed over 100 caps each with Debinha scoring 57 goals and Bia Zaneratto scoring 37 goals. There are also rumors that the legendary Marta could be back from injury to compete in this year’s tournament. If these rumors are true, Brazil’s attack could be an aspect for the other competing nations to watch out for.
Conclusion and Predictions for Brazil
Brazil has yet to compete this year and won’t be doing so until the start of the tournament. However, with a great run of form to end 2022, they would have every right to make a surprise run at the top spot by the end. Their last defeat however did come at the hands of Canada who are also in the tournament. I could see Brazil placing in either second or third place when all is said and done. They will enter the tournament ranked ninth in the world according to the FIFA rankings making them the third-best team competing.
