(USSoccer.com, 03.02.19)

NASHVILLE — Japan defeated Brazil 3-1 in the second match for both teams at the 2019 SheBelieves Cup.

Japan opened scoring in the 44th minute after Emi Nakajima latched onto a lofted pass outside the penalty area. Nakajima played a short pass forward to Yuka Momiki, whose left-footed chip sailed perfectly over Brazilian goalkeeper Aline for the opener. It was Momiki’s eighth goal in 23 caps.

Debinha equalized for Brazil in the 57th minute after Japan failed to clear the ball after a scramble in the box. The ball fell to the Brazilian striker who drove her right-footed shot through traffic to draw Brazil level at 1-1.

Japan pulled ahead in the 81st minute after Momiki received the ball on the right flank and sent a one-time cross to Rikako Kobayashi at the far post for her to head home. It was Kobayashi’s first goal in just her second cap.

Momiki again played helper in the 85th minute after she latched on to a failed clearance and fed the ball to Yui Hasegawa. After receiving the ball, Hasegawa cut inside, sending her defender the wrong way, and blasted her left-footed shot into goal from 12 yards out to give Japan the 3-1 victory. The goal marked Hasegawa’s fifth goal in 32 caps.

Though Brazil poured on the pressure in the second half and out-shot Japan 23 to 11 for the match, winning six corner kicks to Japan’s one, Japan converted three of its six shots on target for the win. In the 2-2 tie with the USA on Feb. 27, Japan converted its only two shots on goal.

The match was the opening game of the doubleheader, the second of which featured the United States vs. England.

The SheBelieves Cup concludes on Tuesday, March 5 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla., with Japan vs. England (5:15 p.m. ET on ussoccer.com) followed by the USA vs. Brazil (8 p.m. ET on FS1).