Canada recovered from a poor first half Saturday, defeating Brazil 4-2 in a penalty shootout at the SheBelieves Cup in Atlanta to earn a date with the U.S. in Tuesday’s final in Columbus, Ohio.

Photo: Jhon Mafla

The 10th-ranked Brazilians pressed hard and had the upper hand for most of a match that did not see the best of No. 9 Canada until late in the game with centre back Vanessa Gilles scoring to tie the contest at 1-1 in the 77th minute.

Canada coach Bev Priestman liked the response from her team if not all of the performance.

“It wasn’t the perfect game but I’m really happy with the mindset of the group to pull through and do whatever it takes win,” she said.

It was a second straight shootout for the Canadians, who lost the CONCACAF W Gold Cup semifinal 3-1 to the U.S. on March 6 in a shootout after extra time finished tied at 2-2.

There was no extra time this time. And unlike the W Gold Cup, Canada was on target with the exception of Ashley Lawrence who shot high to open the shootout

driana Leon, Jade Rose, Simi Awujo and Julia Grosso scored from the penalty spot with Grosso slotting home the winning spot kick, as she did in the final of the Tokyo Olympics.

Cristiane and Tarciane scored in the shootout for Brazil, which brought on ‘keeper Lorena in second-half stoppage time, replacing Tai Borges for the shootout. Kailen Sheridan stopped Marta while Antonia shot wide.

“[Sheridan] can makes saves I’ve not seen other goalkeepers do,” said Priestman, who cited the “bravery” of 20-year-old Awujo and 21-year-old Rose to step up in the shootout.

photo: jhon mafla