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American-born defender Sophia Braun was crucial for Argentina's national team as they rallied to a 2-2 draw against South Africa. The Oregon native scored a banger that launched a five-minute-span comeback that ended up rescuing La Albiceleste from elimination.
Before the game, Argentina planned to achieve their first-ever win at the Women's World Cup. However, by the 66th minute, the scene was grim. The South American squad was calamitous in defense, and they were 2-0 down, courtesy of Linda Motlhalo and Thembi Kgatlana.
In other words, after having lost their opener against Italy, they were packing their suitcases to go home.
Sophia Braun goal vs. South Africa
However, in just five minutes, La Albiceleste was able to claw back and secure a draw, granting them one last chance in the tournament.
The lift in their spirits came thanks to Braun, who bagged a beauty that will be hard to forget in the 74th minute.
A goal that deserves another look from all angles
This was an absolute beauty from Sophia Braun pic.twitter.com/nrleYxXTwv— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 28, 2023
Boom! Right in the corner.
Braun was born and raised in Beaverton, OR, and played soccer for several years at Gonzaga University. Because her mother is Argentine, La Albiceleste tried to convince her to join the program in 2020 and quickly succeeded. Even though she could barely speak Spanish.
"My parents were very happy for me. They told me it was an incredible opportunity. My mom was thrilled and traveled with me to Argentina," she told Todo Noticias recently. "I didn't even think about waiting for a chance to play for the USWNT. I was very happy, and it was a dream that I wanted to fulfill."
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And look at her now.
Five minutes later – in the 79th minute – Romina Núñez sealed the draw.
Romina Núñez finds the equalizer for Argentina pic.twitter.com/7V6DCuDK7V
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 28, 2023
Argentina couldn't win their first World Cup game in their history, but the tie was enough to keep the dream of advancing to the knockout stage alive. The only problem? Their last group game will be against Sweden, one of the powerhouses in women's soccer.
Are they going to be able to pull a miracle?
