What You Should Know About the USWNT’s SheBelieves Cup Opponents

Around this time last year, the 2020 SheBelieves Cup teams played in front of thousands of fans at three different venues. This year, Orlando will play host to all four teams with fixtures to be played from the 18th to the 24th of February. 

The USWNT is the defending champ and will be looking to repeat on home soil once again as they prepare for the Olympics. Canada, Argentina, and Brazil will do everything in their power to make sure that doesn’t happen. Here’s what you should know about the USWNT’s opponents at the SheBelieves Cup. 

Canada

The Canadians might be the toughest of the three SheBelieves Cup teams; they’ve got talent in every facet of the game. This will be their first appearance in the SheBelieves Cup and it likely won’t be their last, as they always relish a chance to play the United States. Christine Sinclair will be the fearless leader of this team with Jordyn Huitema wreaking havoc up front. 

The Canadian roster is deep. Their players are regulars in the best domestic leagues in the world: the FA WSL, NWSL, and Ligue 1. If they put on their best possible performance, they can beat the USWNT on February 18th. Yet, the USWNT has dominated this match-up with a record of 50-3-7. Canada poses a threat, but the USWNT has looked unstoppable under Vlatko Andonovski. 

Brazil

Brazil is making their second appearance in the SheBelieves Cup and they’ll hope to fare better than their first go around in the tournament. This time they’re lead by an old friend turned rival, Pia Sundhage. It’s an unlikely match that’s been successful so far, with an 8-4-1 record through 13 games. 

The old trio of Marta, Cristiane, and Formiga is still alive and kicking, literally. Debinha and Ludmila are two dangerous players to watch in attack for Brazil. Will Sundhage once again have the recipe to defeat the United States? We’ll find out on February 21st. 

Argentina

Argentina enters the SheBelieves Cup for the first time as replacements for Japan who pulled out due to COVID-19. Having qualified for the previous World Cup, La Albiceleste will want to put together a great showing on another big stage. One of their players was recently signed by Kansas City, striker Mariana Larroquette. This will be an opportunity for American viewers to see what she has to offer. However, the USWNT shouldn’t have much trouble with the Argentinians when they square off on February 24th.

Featured Image via Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

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