ENGLAND 1, BRAZIL 1
(England win 4-2 on penalties)
Manchester City winger Chloe Kelly held her nerve in a penalty shootout as England became the first-ever Women’s Finalissima winners following a dramatic victory at Wembley in a clash of the European and South American champions.
An early goal from Manchester United’s Ella Toone looked to be the matchwinner until Brazil equalised in the 93rd minute after a handling error by Manchester United goalkeeper Mary Earps.
It sent the match to a penalty shootout with Brazil taking control as Toone missed England’s second spot kick.
England were faultless with their four other kicks with Brazil missing two as Earps atoned her error with one super stop before Kelly scored the decisive spot kick just as she netted the winning goal in the Euros to become a national hero.
The win, played in front of a crowd of 83,132, ensured England manager Sarina Wiegman remains unbeaten as England manager, a sequence now extending to 30 games.
And the triumph was very much made in Manchester with nine of England’s starters either current or past players from the Manchester clubs with ex-City player Keira Walsh named player-of-the-match.
There were also a further six players with Mancunian connections on England’s bench.
Embed from Getty ImagesWiegman said: “An incredible atmosphere again. That will never be normal for me. I think it was a great game, two different phases, first half and second half.
“Great learning. Lots of learning from us in preparation for the World Cup.
“The learning thing is nice, but we really wanted to win this one too.
“Brazil played two different formations. In the first half we played very well. I think we should have scored a couple of more goals.
“Then Brazil switched to 4-4-2 because that’s what they’re used to. They pressed a lot higher, and we had a lot of problems to get out of their press. That was a struggle. It’s good for us.”
Reflecting on the penalties, Wiegman explained: “This week we didn’t have the opportunity a lot. We practiced yesterday and before the Euros we practiced a lot. We just repeated it yesterday in case. We knew what to do and we did good.”
And on the 30-match unbeaten run, Wiegman said: “I feel privileged. I’m very happy working here. Such an incredible group. The team is so committed, they want to learn every day.”
Wiegman was asked about preparations for this summer’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand and replied: “I’m happy. I think the first half was really good, but we were challenged a lot in possession in the second half. I am happy, it is good that we have this information. We will take it from here, we have a game on Tuesday (Australia at Brentford) and then we will be ready.”
Wiegman made two changes to the England side which beat Belgium in their final Arnold Clark Cup victory.
Alex Greenwood lined up at centre back in absence of Millie Bright, with Jess Carter coming in at left-back.
Lauren James won the nod over Kelly up front and Toone started in midfield. Rachel Daly was on the bench.
Arsenal centre back Rafaelle Souza started and captained Brazil who were without former World Player of the Year Marta.
England, without the injured Beth Mead and Millie Bright and with Euro winners Ellen White and Jill Scott retired, made a positive start as they took the game to Brazil from the kick off.
It took until the 14th minute, though, until forced a save from Leticia, a fine flying stop to turn away a 25-yard drove from Lucy Bronze.
The breakthrough was no surprise midway through the opening period when Bronze cut the ball back from the right and Toone swept home a low shot from 12 yards.
England had the ball in the net for a second time in the opening half hour, but Lauren James’ spectacular effort was ruled out for a clear offside.
They continued pressing for a second goal as Alessia Russo forced a diving save from Leticia while James bent an effort just past the upright.
Brazil made two attacking changes at the break and were far more adventurous after England had enjoyed 81 per cent first-half possession.
They had only their second goal attempt in the 52nd minute when Kerolin fired narrowly wide.
Brazilian were suddenly on top and dictating play, a contrast to the opening period.
They came mighty close to equalising when a drive by Barcelona forward Geyse from the edge of the penalty area was brilliantly turned on to the crossbar by keeper Mary Earps.
England finally began to reimpose their authority as Toone set up Georgia Stanway who was denied by a flying save from Leticia.
But there was a final twist as Brazil equalised in the third of five added minutes when Earps failed to gather a routine low cross and substitute Andressa Alves fired the loose ball into the roof of the net from inside the six-yard box.
The penalty shootout saw Toone miss England’s second kick with Georgia Stanway, Rachel Daly, Alex Greenwood and Kelly faultless.
Earps made a splendid save to deny Tamires while Arsenal’s Rafaelle struck the bar as England triumphed in their toughest game since the triumph in the Euros.