It was déjà vu at a jubilant Wembley as Chloe Kelly converted the winning penalty kick in the inaugural Finalissima. Last summer, Kelly scored the game-winning goal in extra time to overcome Germany in the Euro 2022 final. This time, the stakes were not as high, but another trophy was won, extending Sarina Wiegman’s unblemished streak with her European champions to 30 games.
The Copa América Femenina champions Brazil were dismantled by Ella Toone’s incredible team goal in the first half. But Andressa Alves’ goal in stoppage time forced a penalty shootout. Mary Earps made amends for her error in allowing the goal by stopping Tamires’ shot and witnessing as Brazil captain Rafaelle’s shot hit the crossbar before Kelly sealed England’s first shootout victory since 2011.
England continued their march towards the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, which begins in 105 days, bypassing another test and achieving another crowd-pleasing result.
The England manager had hinted that there would be less space for experimentation against Brazil and Australia compared to the Arnold Clark Cup in February and thus selected a strong starting eleven. In the absence of Millie Bright, Alex Greenwood started alongside Leah Williamson at center-back, and Jess Carter filled in at left-back, a lineup very similar to the one that will likely compete at the World Cup in July.
Lauren James replaced Beth Mead, who had been gone for a long time, over Kelly.
Six of the eleven that began the final of Euro 2022 last year remained. The Brazil squad that won its eighth Copa América Femenina the day before the Lionesses’ triumph featured six alterations. Marta, Ludmila, and Debinha were unavailable for the journey to England, while Adriana, the Copa América’s leading scorer, was a surprise omission from the starting lineup.
The Euros success packed Wembley by noon for the 7.45 pm kickoff. Even more impressive is the fact that this no longer feels odd. The Lionesses now play at a sold-out Wembley, propelling the game’s growth beyond anyone’s wildest hopes.
Through investment, support, institutional change, and patience, players have flourished on the pitch. Brazil, meanwhile, is still looking for a breakthrough. “Time for Brazil to step up,” their manager Pia Sundhage said before the match.
On the pitch at Wembley, it was England’s skill that had the spectators drooling, not Brazil’s. The result was a brilliantly executed team goal in the 23rd minute. James passed to Lucy Bronze on the right to move the ball forward in five passes.
Toone entered the penalty area after the fullback passed to Georgia Stanway.
James’s selection ahead of an in-form Kelly was both unexpected and anticipated. The 21-year-old Chelsea forward has been in phenomenal form, and against Brazil, she displayed the skill that makes her undoubtedly the most technically gifted English footballer since Kelly Smith. James is a potent weapon because, whenever she has possession of the ball, regardless of the available space or the surrounding players, she can effortlessly roll off an opponent, wriggle free, and provide the unexpected.
James showed her potential with England after lifting the ball over Letcia and into the top corner shortly after halftime. The move was exquisite, but James was offside, relegating the excellent finish to the trash heap of history.
After the hiatus, Brazil changed drastically. Beatriz Zaneratto was replaced by Adriana, and Lauren was replaced by Andressa as the South American side awoke, giving England’s defense its toughest test of the year to date. Earps saved a narrow advantage by deflecting Geyse’s 24-year-old Barcelona effort over the crossbar.
Wiegman’s team was penalized as England abandoned its panache for a more dogged performance in the final moments. The equalizer was the result of an uncharacteristic error by custodian Earps. Who mishandled a spinning cross into the box, allowing Andressa to score from close range and force a penalty shootout.
Tamires, Rafaelle, and Toone all missed their penalty kicks. However, Kelly’s goal would seal the victory and keep England’s run on the track.
