England vs Brazil LIVE: Result, final score and reaction as Lionesses win Finalissima via penalty shootout
England 1-1 Brazil (England win 4-2 on penalties): Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses triumph in first ever Women’s Finalissima
A tale of two halves created a wonderful showpiece at Wembley for the inaugural Women’s Finalissima. The champions of Europe and the champions of South America clashed in front of a packed house in a game that had excitement, goals and late drama before ultimately being decided via a penalty shootout.
England dominated the first half after Brazil set up with a low block to keep them quiet. The Lionesses controlled possession and set the tempo of the game. Lucy Bronze was exceptional on the right side and proved to be a vital part of England’s attacking play. She was fed the ball by Lauren James before setting up Ella Toone in the box to create the opening goal.
At half-time it seemed as though England would run away with the match but Brazil rallied perfectly. A change of shape and personnel gave the visitors more control in midfield and they came flying out of the blocks for the second half. An aggressive press put the Lionesses under intense pressure and Brazil were rewarded in stoppage time when Andressa Alves turned a dropped ball from Mary Earps into the back of the net.
That forced a penalty shootout but Earps redeemed herself by keeping Tamires’ effort wide of the post and tipping Rafaelle’s strike onto the crossbar. Chloe Kelly - England’s Euros hero - then stepped up for the deciding spot kick and powered it home to give England victory.
Relive all the action as England take on Brazil in the Women’s Finalissima:
England 0-0 Brazil
6 mins: There first dangerous move from England sees them switch the ball over to Lucy Bronze on the right hand side. She dinks one over the top as Alessia Russo makes her run in behind.
The forward takes over possession and drives into the box before getting nudged in the back and going to ground. She’s looking for a penalty but the assistant referee raises the flag for offside.
England 0-0 Brazil
3 mins: Brazil have set up with a back five just showing how much of a threat Sarina Wiegman has turned the Lionesses into.
Lauren Hemp makes a couple of decent early runs down the left side, the first ends in a cleared cross and her second drive sees the ball come over the top and skip out of play before she can reach it.
Kick off: England 0-0 Brazil
After a tribute to remember Brazilian footballing legend, Pele, England get the match started. They knock it back to Leah Williamson who sends it across to centre-back partner Alex Greenwood.
Jess Carter makes a run down the line and is given the ball as England’s first attack comes down the left wing.
England vs Brazil
Wembley is rocking. It’s a sold out crowd to watch this big clash.
The players head out onto the pitch and the national anthems are played.
Kick off is up next.
England vs Brazil
Rachel Daly, who scored both of England’s goals in their 2-1 win over Italy in February, has been involved in seven goals in her last eight international appearances (five goals, two assists), as many as in her previous 45 games for the Lionesses (six goals, one assist).
England vs Brazil
England haven’t conceded more than a single goal in a game since Hege Riise’s final match in charge against Canada in April 2021 (0-2).
They’ve kept 20 clean sheets in their 29 games under Sarina Wiegman and across these 29 games the Lionesses have had 547 more shots than their opponents with 240 more attempts on target.
England vs Brazil
Following a run of ten successive wins between July – October 2022, in which they conceded just a single goal, Brazil have since lost three of their five games including each of their last two.
They last endured a longer losing run between August 2018 – April 2019 (nine in a row).
Williamson to wear One Love armband
England’s captain Leah Williamson will be wearing the One Love armband tonight.
The German women’s national team was reportedly told by Fifa that they would not be allowed to wear the rainbow armband during this summer’s World Cup.
Fifa also banned it from the men’s World Cup last year, prompting a protest from the German men’s national team before their first match.
The armband is meant to promote diversity and inclusion and should be something Fifa actively wants to promote but it seems they still see the rainbow colours as controversial.
England vs Brazil
Brazil will become the 19th different nation England have faced under Sarina Wiegman.
The Lionesses have beaten all but two of the 18 sides they have faced under her management (Canada and Czech Republic the only exceptions – a draw a piece).
England remain unbeaten under the Dutchwomen with 25 wins and four draws - scoring 137 goals and conceding just nine.
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