Eight red cards and riot police: How friendly between United States and World Cup 2027 hosts Brazil turned ugly

Such was the extent of the chaos at Arena Castelao in Fortaleza that, during the post-match handshakes, the officials were lined up next to two police officers holding riot shields, as the USWNT claimed a slender 1-0 victory courtesy of an Isabela Chagas own goal.

Eight members of the Brazilian squad and coaching staff were shown red cards, two of which came after the full-time whistle, as tempers boiled over in a highly-physical match between Emma Hayes' side and next year's World Cup hosts.

It was the second of a double-header of friendlies, following Brazil's 2-1 victory against the US on June 6, and by far the more eventful, with the tone set early on when Emily Sonnett and Dudinha wrestled one another off the ball just minutes into the match.

Several flying challenges were committed, and Brazil took umbrage with what they felt was a high boot from Michelle Cooper on Taina Maranhao.

Brazil boss Arthur Elias appeared among the most disgruntled throughout the encounter, which was attended by 55,744 fans.

He was booked after being ordered to change his shirt, which was purportedly deemed to be too similar to the US navy jersey, proceeding to put on a white training bib, and gesturing towards the referee in a critical manner.

Elias was the first to be given his marching orders when he kicked the ball away with 13 minutes remaining of the match. Two of his assistants were shown red shortly after, with another member of staff then following.

In stoppage-time, the cards re-emerged. Substitute Bia Zaneratto was shown a second yellow in the fourth minute of stoppage-time for a push on the back of Emily Sonnett.

Five minutes later, Tarciane was shown a straight red card for a wild swing at Sophia Wilson after leaving the ball inside the penalty box.

It was after the match had concluded that Kerolin and Ludmila were added to the hefty list of red-card recipients, on an evening to forget for Brazil.

In the end, it seemed almost fitting that Chagas' bizarre own goal decided the tie.

Wilson's shot towards goal prompted a wild deflection which found its way beyond goalkeeper Lorena, an indication of how things just were not falling Brazil's way throughout the evening - and where their frustrations likely stemmed from.

US boss Hayes, though, did not take to inciting the officials like her Brazilian counterpart. Speaking in a press conference after the match, the former Chelsea coach said she wanted to be a good example for her players.

”My job is to have respect for the officials,” Hayes said. ”My job is to make sure I stay in my technical area.

”There is only one person allowed to stand, and my job is to be a role model for my players, to display the behaviours to them that I want from them.”

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