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 win the Finalissima, and the world is next
England win the Finalissima, and Sarina Wiegman gets some much needed answers. There’s no question which will be more important ahead of the World Cup, but as Chloe Kelly wheeled away following her latest Wembley moment it was almost as if the Lionesses were back at the Euros again. Victory over Brazil here adds to wins against the United States and Germany and if it feels like the Lionesses are knocking off the continents, the world is next.
But it very much depends on how you view this. As a one-off final, England won. They took charge from the start, scored when they were on top, but rather escaped after allowing Brazil back into it.
Indeed, as an examination ahead of the World Cup, there were some difficulties here, and some flaws and vulnerabilities that a match of this level may not have revealed. Wiegman is likely to care far more about the latter, and it’s far better to know about them now than in July when England will go to Australia as one of the favourites.
England win the Finalissima, and the world is next
England 1-1 Brazil (England win on penalties): Chloe Kelly struck the winning penalty at Wembley as the Lionesses won the inaugural Finalissima
FT England 1-1 Brazil (England win 4-2 on penalties)
The new Finalissima champions.
FT England 1-1 Brazil (England win 4-2 on penalties)
The trophy presentation now takes place on the Wembley pitch. England’s coach Sarina Wiegman is beeming from ear to ear.
Leah Williamson comes out last and hoists the Finalissima trophy into the air!
The Lionesses are now unbeaten in 30 matches.
FT England 1-1 Brazil (England win 4-2 on penalties)
That was a perfect World Cup prep for England.
They faced a difficult opponent, two different systems and came through some proper pressure penalties.
Sarina Wiegman will be over the moon.
FT England 1-1 Brazil (England win 4-2 on penalties)
FT England 1-1 Brazil (England win 4-2 on penalties)
A really wonderful match at Wembley ends in more success for Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses. They triumph over Brazil via a penalty shootout and it’s Chloe Kelly who scores yet another trophy winning goal at Wembley!
Penalties: England 4-2 Brazil
Who else but Chloe Kelly to take the final penalty for England. Can she win the Finalissima for the Lionesses?
Yes she can! Kelly scores and England win the penalty shootout and the game!
Penalties: England 3-2 Brazil
Brazil must score. Kerolin is the player to take the next penalty.
Mary Earps is focused but Kerolin guides her penalty into the bottom corner!
Penalties: England 3-1 Brazil
Alex Greenwood can put England on the verge of victory... she scores!
One more goal is all it will take for the Lionesses to win.
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