England defeated Brazil in a keenly contested penalty shootout to lift the first Women’s Finalissima and further their unbeaten run to 30 matches.
Chloe Kelly, who netted the decisive goal in the Euro 2022 final at Wembley in 2022, scored the winning spot-kick and afterwards ran over to jubilate with the supporters in the stands.
Brazilian second half substitute had brought parity to the encounter in stoppage time to stretch the game to penalties after Ella Toone had handed The Lionesses a first-half lead.
It was a groundbreaking night at the 90,000 capacity Wembley Stadium that witnessed the European champions strongly tested by Copa America champions Brazil.
However, it finished with the familiar experience of captain Leah Williamson lifting the title.
Brazil were the Lionesses biggest test in 2023
England were handed their toughest test of 2023 by a talented though injury hit Brazilian team but they won an additional trophy into the kitty as their preparation continues to build up ahead of this summer’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
The penalty shootout was a test of confidence and England responded in another display of their desire to bring the World Cup home in four months time.
Wiegman had anticipated The Lionesses to be tested defensively at Wembley and they definitely were as the young Selecao team cooked up many chances in the second 45, searching to draw level.
England had dictated the course of the game from the get-go in front of 83,132 supporters enjoying the action in London with Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo’s movement specifically fruitful in the first 45.
The Lionesses merited their half-time superiority and appeared completely in control until Brazil brought on substitutes at the interval and began to threaten the English side.
Barcelona attacker Geyse posed all sorts of challenges and came close to finding the back of the net for the visitors when goalkeeper Mary Earps tipped her long-range attempt on to the crossbar.
England were hanging on in additional time of the second 45 till Earps, who was remarkable for the entire duration of their Euro 2022 victory, made an uncommon mistake, misjudging a cross which fell at the feet of substitute Alves and she smashed it into the roof of the net.
However, the Lionesses, who have display mental resilience in massive density under Wiegman’s coaching, reassembled to win the shootout 4-2 and lift their second title of 2023, having retained their Arnold Clark Cup trophy in February.
Who is Sarina Wiegman and her immense work with England?
Sarina Wiegman, the Dutchwoman and former footballer has been the manager of the England women’s national team since September 2021.
And she has overseen the immense growth of English football in recent years. She led the Dutch national team to win the 2017 UEFA Women’s Championship and was runner-up in the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2019.
She joined England in 2020 penning a four-year deal and Wiegman has guided the Lionesses to win the UEFA Women’s Championship in 2022 alongside the Arnold Clark Cup in 2022 and 2023 in addition to the recently won Women’s Finalissima.
Number of Spectators who watch the Men’s and Women’s Finalissima!
The Men’s Finalissima was watched in the stadium by 87,112 spectators while the Women’s Finalissima was watched by 83,132 spectators.
The total amount of spectators who enjoyed the action for the men and women’s game was a cumulative 170,244.
Tottenham Hotspur’s attacker Richarlison was also in the stands to witness and offer support to his nation as they battled against the Lionesses on Thursday.
Match Highlights Below:
