The Arthur Elias “era” at the head of the women’s football team started off in the best possible way. This Saturday (28), the Brazilians beat Canada 1-0, in a friendly match played at Stade Saputo, in Montreal, home of the opponent, with a goal at the end of the match.

Multi-champion ahead of Corinthians, with five Brazilian titles, four Libertadores titles, three São Paulo titles, two Supercopa do Brasil titles and one Copa do Brasil title, Arthur chose an aggressive team, with Luana and Ary Borges making up the midfield and five offensive players: Tamires (official full-back, but who the coach usually uses as a left winger) and Adriana open and the attacking trio formed by Geyse, Marta and Cristiane. Indeed, the last two had not played together for the national team for two and a half years.

Cristiane, who has not been called up since 2021, was one of the new signings in the starting lineup, compared to the one who drew goalless against Jamaica at this year’s World Cup, when of the last match under the leadership of Swedish coach Pia Sundhage – Brazil was eliminated in the first phase of the competition, organized in Australia and New Zealand. The other changes were the presence of Lauren on defense and Geyse on offense. Both were, however, part of Pia’s World Cup squad.

The Canadians even found the net first, in the 27th minute of the first half, thanks to a header from Vanessa Gilles, but the gesture was canceled due to an offside by the defender. Four minutes later, Brazil had their best chance, through Adriana. The striker advanced from the right and shot across, looking for Kailen Sheridan’s angle, but was saved by a superb save from the goalkeeper.

Arthur returned in the second half with Gabi Nunes and Debinha replacing Cristiane and Geyse. In the 13th minute, Marta left the field, much applauded, to replace Bia Zaneratto. Flying Angelina, at 23; striker Gabi Portilho, 35; and midfielder Duda Sampaio, already in stoppage time, replaced Luana, Adriana and Ary Borges respectively.

The team improved throughout the final phase and began to dominate offensive actions, but stopped on Sheridan, who saved clear chances from Debinha (twice) and Ary. Canada got a scare in the 46th minute, but goalkeeper Lelê prevented Gilles’ goal with a cross.

As the duel headed for a draw, Brazil ultimately defeated Sheridan. In the 48th minute, full-back Antônia regained possession in the middle and found Debinha. Jersey number 7 finished at the edge of the box, the ball deflected twice on the way and entered the Canadian net, declaring victory for the Canaries.

The teams will face each other again this Tuesday (31), at 8:30 p.m. (Brasília time), at the Wanderers Stadium, in Halifax, also in Canada.