Angelina Prepares Brazil for Showdown Against USA

Brazilian midfielder Angelina, a prominent figure in the national women's soccer team, has shared her insights ahead of their upcoming friendlies against the United States. Having spent over five years playing in the U.S. league, first with Seattle Reign and now with Orlando Pride, she understands the formidable challenge posed by the American team.

“In the American league, a lot of goals are scored at the end of the game, right? And that really comes down to concentration, because fatigue sets in,” Angelina noted. She emphasized the importance of strategic substitutions, which coach Arthur Elias utilizes effectively. “If there are six substitutions, he’s going to use all six,” she predicted, highlighting this as a crucial advantage for Brazil.

Angelina is among the 26 players selected for the matches scheduled for Saturday in São Paulo and Tuesday in Fortaleza. With 15 call-ups to Elias's national squads, she ranks second only to Duda Sampaio, who has been called up 17 times. Her extensive experience includes serving as captain for youth teams, competing in two World Cups, and earning silver at the Paris Olympics in 2024.

After a training session on Thursday, Angelina addressed the media, reflecting on the team's growing synergy. “That [the substitutions] helps the team maintain the same intensity at all times,” she explained, referencing their last victory over the U.S., which featured a dramatic last-minute goal. She believes the support from Brazilian fans will be vital, stating, “They know that playing against us is very difficult... Our fans are loud, and for the full 90 minutes they’ll be pushing us forward.”

As a leader, Angelina maintains focus through mental well-being practices such as reading and music. “It’s important to have something that helps us relax our body and mind,” she shared, revealing how she balances relaxation with personal growth. This commitment to both her team and self-improvement underscores her role as a steadying influence in the squad.