Brazil Women Win Friendly but Lose Two NWSL Players to Injury
Brazil's women's national team defeated Argentina 3-1 in a friendly in Porto Alegre on 10 October. The CBF then released NWSL players Bruninha and Angelina after injuries; Bruninha suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament and Angelina a broken nose. More than 20,000 fans attended at Beira-Rio, a 2027 Women's World Cup venue, and the teams were scheduled to meet again on 13 October near Recife.
Brazil's 3-1 win over Argentina at Porto Alegre's Beira-Rio was the women's team's first outing at the ground, which is slated to host matches at the 2027 Women's World Cup. Luany struck in the 26th minute, Geyse added a bicycle kick, and captain Angelina scored before the break; Maricel Pereyra replied for Argentina. Head coach Arthur Elias was suspended, so assistant Rodrigo Iglesias took charge.
The CBF said Bruninha, a Gotham FC full-back, will remain with the squad for treatment before surgery, while Angelina returns to Orlando Pride in Florida. Attendance figures varied: Lance reported over 20,000, Agência Brasil more than 28,000. The sides meet again on 13 October near Recife.
The injuries could ripple beyond Brazil's squad: Gotham FC and Orlando Pride may face stretches without key players during a congested NWSL season, while Bruninha's ligament tear could sideline her for months. For Brazil, hosting the 2027 World Cup, a 20,000-plus crowd at a tournament venue may signal growing domestic interest in the women's game, though the loss of two squad members could test depth in upcoming fixtures.