England beat Brazil on penalties to win Finalissima trophy
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[April 07, 2023]
By Lori Ewing
LONDON (Reuters) - England beat Brazil in a penalty shootout in a
thrilling inaugural Women's Finalissima on Thursday, the second
straight international trophy hoisted by the Lionesses at a
jam-packed Wembley Stadium.
Tied 1-1 at fulltime, Sarina Wiegman's Lionesses beat Brazil 4-2 in
the shootout to improve their unbeaten streak to 30 games.
"I feel privileged," Wiegman said. "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 game, which drew 83,132 fans and sold out in early
October, featured the European and South American champions and was
a key part of preparations for the Women's World Cup in July and
August.
Ella Toone netted her 16th goal for England in the 23rd minute when
Lucy Bronze cut the ball back for her team mate to slot in from the
edge of the six-yard box.
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2023/Apr/07/images/ads/current/prarieland_sda_SFARM_2023.png)
Georgia Stanway, Rachel Daly, Alex Greenwood and Chloe Kelly scored
for England in the shootout.
"It's great being back here at Wembley in front of our home fans,"
Kelly said. "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 said she was
prepared for a shootout.
"I had to be, after the last few minutes of the game I had no
choice," Earps said. "Win by hook or by crook, so yeah, just really
pleased with that tonight."
Andressa Alves sent the game to a shootout when she equalised in the
93rd minute, pouncing on a loose ball that keeper Earps had trouble
controlling.
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![](../images/040723PIX/sports29.jpg)
Soccer Football - Women's Finalissima -
England v Brazil - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - April 6, 2023
England's Rachel Daly and England's Alex Greenwood celebrates after
winning the Women's Finalissima REUTERS/Molly Darlington
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The night saw a return to the venue where the
Lionesses edged Germany to win the 2022 European Championship in
front of 87,192 fans, a record for a women's game in Europe.
Fans cheered what they thought was a second England goal in the
first half, but Lauren James' shot into the roof of the net was
whistled for offside.
Pia Sundhage's Canarinhas found their form in the second half and
Geyse, a forward for Barcelona, had a chance at an equaliser that
was tipped over the crossbar by keeper Earps.
The nailbiting back-and-forth game was a perfect tune-up for the
World Cup, Wiegman said.
"The first half was really good, the second half we got challenged a
lot," she said. "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 in the week
after players voiced their concerns about playing in white while on
their period.
(Reporting by Lori Ewing; editing by Clare Fallon)
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