Los Angeles: Brazil proved too much for Mexico as they advanced to the CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup final with a 3-0 win in San Diego on Wednesday.
In Sunday’s final, the eight-time Copa America champions will face the winner of Wednesday’s second semi-final between the USA and Canada.
Brazil took the lead in the 21st minute when Mexico goalkeeper Stephany Barrera headed home a cross from Rafaelle and Adriana reacted sharply to convert the loose ball.
Eight minutes later, an already difficult task was made even more difficult when defender Nicolette Hernandez was sent off for denying a goal-scoring opportunity.
Bia Zaneratto was breaking the keeper when Hernandez slid in on the edge of the box, and although no foul was initially called, a VAR review led to a straight red for Hernandez.
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Mexico’s players were in disbelief at the decision and four minutes later their night took a turn for the worse when Antonia collected a clearance on the edge of the box, cut inside and then buried a perfect left-footed shot into the far corner.
The game was more than three minutes into the second half when substitute Gabi Portilho fired in a low cross which was superbly turned by Yasmim’s back-heel flick.
Mexico stuck to the task in the driving rain, but Brazil remained dangerous and Vitoria Yaya came close to a fourth with a left-footed cross that hit the post.
Mexico’s Lizbeth Ovalle, one of the stars of the tournament, showed off her talent by running past two defenders in front of a daring chip that was just off target.
Gabi Nunes had an effort blocked in the closing stages, but by then the outcome was long decided.
