ᑕ❶ᑐ Women’s Finalissima: England beat Brazil in spectacular shootout

England beat Brazil in a spectacular penalty shootout to win the first Women’s Finalissima and extend their unbeaten streak to 30 games.

Brazil substitute Andressa Alves equalized in stoppage time to force a shootout after Ella Toone gave England a first-half lead.

It was a historic night at Wembley Stadium that saw the European champions severely tested by Copa America winners Brazil, but ended with the familiar sight of captain Leah Williamson lifting a trophy.

The Lionesses suffered their biggest test of the year from a talented, albeit injured, Brazilian side but delivered more silverware as their momentum continues to build ahead of this summer’s World Cup in Australia and Spain. New Zealand.

The shootout was a test of nerves and England rode through it in another declaration of their intention to deliver on the world stage four months from now.

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• Relive the action at Wembley Stadium

Brazil test England’s nerves on historic night

Wiegman expected England to be tested in defense at Wembley and they certainly were as the young Brazilian side were created with plenty of chances in the second half, looking for an equaliser.

England had control of the game from minute one in front of an expected 83,132 crowd in London, with Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo’s movement particularly effective in the first half.

They deserved their half-time lead and looked perfectly in control until Brazil made changes at the break and started showing their credentials in attack.

Barcelona striker Geyse added all sorts of trouble and a failing grade for the visitors when goalkeeper Mary Earps tipped her long-range effort onto the crossbar.

England were hanging on in stoppage time until Earps, who was terrific throughout their Euro 2022 win, made a rare mistake, fumbling a cross that fell at the feet of the replacing Alves and she shot him into the roof of the net.

But the Lionesses, who showed abundant mental resilience under Wiegman’s leadership, rallied to win the shootout 4-2 and likely their second trophy of the year, after retaining their Arnold Cup crown Clark in February.

It was the perfect pre-World Cup challenge and a timely reminder that England are not invincible, although they have felt that way at times over the past 12 months.

Toone and Hemp impress as competition heats up

There was reason to be excited about England’s performance in the first half, as their attacking play was fluid, creative and efficient.

There is competition for the places in front and Lauren Hemp showed why she should start with her movement to the left, causing problems in Brazil.

Toone, who has gone from super-sub to starter since Euros, also took the opportunity to cement his place in midfield in the absence of injured Chelsea star Fran Kirby and got a goal to show for his efforts.

However, the second half showed that England still had some improvement to make in defense – although they did react to Brazil’s more direct approach as the game wore on.

The Evils appeared to have weathered the storm ahead of Alves’ late equaliser, but Wiegman would be encouraged by their response to deliver in the shootout.