The Lionesses of England Thursday triumphed over Brazil in a nerve-wracking penalty shootout of the Women’s Finalissima maiden version, securing their second consecutive worldwide trophy amidst a euphoric, capability crowd at Wembley Stadium.
Tied 1-1 at fulltime, Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses beat Brazil 4-2 within the shootout to enhance their unbeaten streak to 30 video games.
“I feel privileged,” Wiegman mentioned. “It’s such an incredible group, and the team is so committed and we want to learn every day and it’s so nice to be a part of.”
Thursday’s recreation, which drew 83,132 followers and offered out in early October, featured the European and South American champions and was a key a part of preparations for the Women’s World Cup in July and August.
Ella Toone netted her sixteenth aim for England within the twenty third minute when Lucy Bronze minimize the ball again for her teammate to fit in from the sting of the six-yard field.
Georgia Stanway, Rachel Daly, Alex Greenwood and Chloe Kelly scored for England within the shootout.
“It’s great being back here at Wembley in front of our home fans,” Kelly mentioned. “They were brilliant again tonight. It’s home to me and the girls gave a brilliant performance again tonight, and we keep moving forward.”
England and Manchester United keeper Mary Earps mentioned she was ready for a shootout.
“I had to be, after the last few minutes of the game I had no choice,” Earps mentioned. “Win by hook or by crook, so yeah, just really pleased with that tonight.”
Andressa Alves despatched the sport to a shootout when she equalized within the 93rd minute, pouncing on a free ball that keeper Earps had hassle controlling.
The night time noticed a return to the venue the place the Lionesses edged Germany to win the 2022 European Championship in entrance of 87,192 followers, a report for a ladies’s recreation in Europe.
Fans cheered what they thought was a second England aim within the first half, however Lauren James’ shot into the roof of the online was whistled for offside.
Pia Sundhage’s Canarinhas discovered their type within the second half and Geyse, a ahead for Barcelona, had an opportunity at an equalizer that was tipped over the crossbar by keeper Earps.
The nail-biting back-and-forth recreation was an ideal tune-up for the World Cup, Wiegman mentioned.
“The first half was really good, the second half we got challenged a lot,” she mentioned. “I’m happy, it’s good that we have that information and we take it from here.”
The Lionesses play Australia on Tuesday at Brentford’s Gtech Stadium.
Brazil play Germany on Tuesday in Nuremberg.
England debuted their blue shorts, unveiled earlier within the week after gamers voiced their issues about enjoying in white whereas on their interval.
Source: www.dailysabah.com