Marta seals all three points as Brazil defeat USA

One of the most anticipated fixtures in the women's game took place earlier tonight. The United States faced Brazil in the Brazilian capital Brasilia. The fixture marked the second fixture of the Brasilia friendly international tournament. Brazil coming off a 4 - 0 easy win versus developing side Argentina were fired up coming into the game. Whereas the United States had to settle for a point in their first game when they lost their lead against China and shared the points in a 1 - 1 draw earlier in the week.

The United States got out of the traps first. A goal from mid field star Carli Lloyd inside the six yard box in the opening five minutes seemed to boost the stars and stripes confidence. Megan Rapinoe stretched the lead even further on the ninth minute when the winger ripped a shot into the upper left corner of the Brazil goal outside the box.

As the game progressed so did Brazil, five time Ballon D'or winner and current nominee Marta closed the gap between the sides on the 19th minute. Marta split the central defence of the United States before nudging the ball to her right and releasing a shot past Hope Solo in the United States goals. Ali Krieger was introduced for Lori Chalupny on the 30th minute. This game was Chalupny's first time in an International jersey since November 10th 2009 when she played against Germany. Chalupny was since dismissed from playing with her national side since suffering a number of concussions.

The sides went into the half with the US leading by a single goal. The second half started as fast paced as the first with Brazil earning all three points from the magic of Marta. Marta scored her second goal of the game in a solo effort when she took on the entire US defence by herself. She ran the ball into the box and placed a low shot into the far corner of the goals. Marta wrapped up her hat trick of the night on the 64th minute when she took a shot from distance.

Brazil now sit atop the group with six points from two games with one game remaining against China. China won their second game earlier tonight in a 4 - 0 victory against Argentina and currently sit second on the group. The United States sit third with one point from two games and Argentina are bottom of the group with zero points so far.

Next up in the tournament is Brazil vs China and the United States vs Argentina on December 17th which will be the Championship game decider. The Championship is set to take place on December 21st. Follow all the action of the tournament here on ExtraTime.ie

Brazil starting 11: Luciana, Poli, Bruna Benites, Tayla, Andressa Alves (Raquel, 80), Maurine, Thaisa, Formiga, Rosana, Marta (Andressina, 84), Debinha.

USA starting 11: Solo, Chalupny (Krieger, 30), Sauerbrunn, Rampone (C), Klingenberg, Lloyd, Holiday, Wambach, Heath, Leroux (Mewis, 80), Rapinoe (Press, 68).