Brazil proved to be too strong for Mexico, winning 3-0 in San Diego on Wednesday to easily advance to the CONCACAF women’s Gold Cup final.
The eight-time women’s Copa America champions will play the victor of Wednesday’s other semifinal between the United States and Canada in the final on Sunday.
In the 21st minute, Adriana turned in the loose ball after Mexico goalkeeper Stephany Barrera mishandled a cross from Rafaelle. This gave Brazil the lead.
Eight minutes later, an already difficult task got even tougher when defender Nicolette Hernandez was sent off for denial of a goalscoring opportunity.
Bia Zaneratto was breaking goalwards when Hernandez slid in on the edge of the box and although there was initially no foul awarded, a VAR review led to a straight red for Hernandez.
The Mexican players were shocked by the ruling, and four minutes later Antonia’s exquisite left-footed goal into the far corner made their night much worse. Antonia had recovered a clearing on the edge of the box and cut inside.
Within three minutes of the second half’s start, Yasmim’s back-heeled flick from a low cross by replacement Gabi Portilho declared the game over.
Despite the intense rain, Mexico persevered in their goal, but Brazil remained a threat, and Vitoria Yaya nearly scored a fourth goal with a left-foot curler that hit the post.
One of the tournament’s stars, Lizbeth Ovalle of Mexico, gave a glimpse of her abilities with a jinking run that got by two defenders and an unbelievable chip that went just off goal.
Later on, Gabi Nunes’ attempt for a handball was disqualified, but the result was already set.
