Page 3 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No.27 2022-23

England 1 (Toone 23)
Brazil 1 (Andressa Alves 90)
(England won 4-2 on penalties)
England became the first ever winners of the Finalissima, played for between the
European Champions and South American Champions, by getting the better of Brazil on
a penalty shootout at Wembley Stadium.
England were quickly into their stride and Alessia Russo caused Brazil problems
early on as she worked her way around captain Rafaelle, who conceded a free kick as she
attempted to stop the striker's run into the penalty area. Lucy Bronze then produced the
first shot on target with a strike which flew straight at Leticia.
Brazil produced their first threat when Geyse latched onto a long ball forward but
Jess Carter did well to deny her with a well timed block.
England had started well though and they took the lead midway through the first
half. Lauren James’ pass found an overlapping Lucy Bronze who exchanged passes with
Georgia Stanway before setting up Ella Toone to fire home.
James thought she had doubled England’s lead seven minutes later but her
celebrations were cut short as an offside flag was raised. Lauren Hemp then passed up a
great opportunity moments before half time when she headed straight at Leticia but
England were good value for their lead going into the break.
Brazil made two changes at the start of the second half and it brought fresh impetus
to their team. Mary Earps had been largely unemployed during the first half but she was
soon called into action, pulling off a fine save from Geyse which she tipped her long range
effort onto the bar.
Still Brazil continued to look dangerous going forward and England were in danger
of being stretched on more than one occasion but looked to have held out for a win until
the third minute of injury time, when Earps spilled a cross and Andressa Alves was on
hand to drive home the loose ball into the roof of the net.
There was barely time to restart, meaning that penalties were needed to decide the
outcome. Both teams converted their first kick but Toone saw her penalty saved by Leticia.
Earps was to make amends for her error by saving the next kick from Tamires and after
Rachel Daly scored the next, Rafaelle Souza then hit the bar. The next two kicks both went
in, leaving Chloe Kelly to step up for what would be the winning kick if converted and she
confidently smashed the ball into the corner of the net, sparking off England celebrations.
There will be little time for England to reflect on this success as they will quickly be
back in action again, with a friendly against World Cup hosts Australia on Tuesday night
at Brentford’s Community Stadium.
England: Mary Earps, Lucy Bronze, Jess Carter, Keira Walsh, Leah Williamson, Alex
Greenwood, Lauren James (sub Chloe Kelly 74mins), Georgia Stanway, Alessia Russo
(sub Rachel Daly 74mins), Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp (sub Katie Robinson 88mins). Subs
not used: Maya Le Tissier, Ellie Roebuck, Esme Morgan, Niamh Charles, Jordan Nobbs,
Laura Coombs, Jess Park, Hannah Hampton.
Brazil: Leticia, Antonia (sub Gabi Nunes 87mins), Lauren (sub Andressa Alves 45mins),
Kathellen, Rafaelle, Tamires, Luana (sub Duda Francelino 69mins), Ary Borges (sub
Fernanda 87mins), Kerolin, Bia Zaneratto (sub Adriana 45mins), Geyse Ferreira. Subs
not used: Camila, Luciana, Ana Vitória, Duda Santos, Tarciane, Yasmim, Gabi Portiliho.
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