Sarina Wiegman had wanted Brazil to test her England team ahead of the World Cup - and she certainly got her wish.
The Lionesses beat Brazil at Wembley to stretch their unbeaten run to 30 games and win the inaugural Women’s Finalissima, but boy were they made to work hard for it.
After dominating the opening 45 minutes and taking the lead through Ella Toone, England were pegged back right at the death as Brazil striker Andressa Alves struck in injury-time.
In truth, it was no more than the South American champions deserved after being the better team in the second-half. Their late goal, which came after England goalkeeper Mary Earps spilled a cross, sent this final to penalties.
It presented England with another test and provided Earps with an instant shot at redemption. The goalkeeper seized her chance, saving Tamires’ penalty just moments after Toone had missed.
Brazil centre-back Rafaelle Souza hit the crossbar and that left Chloe Kelly - who else - with the opportunity to score the winning penalty. She made no mistake and has another special Wembley memory to add to her scrapbook after scoring the winner in last summer’s Euro 2022 final.
This is exactly the sort of performance England may have to serve up in Australia and New Zealand if they are to add the World Cup to their bulging trophy cabinet.
So far under Wiegman, England have passed every test. This win was their latest examination and, they may not have got over the line with flying colours, but they got the job done and in tournament football that’s all that matters.
Chloe Kelly wins the Finalissima for England! 🤩🏆#Finalissima | #Lionesses pic.twitter.com/mFnVhe1Ss3
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) April 6, 2023
This game finished in dramatic fashion, but it started slowly. England eventually found their stride, though, and they went on to dominate the opening 45 minutes.
The Lionesses enjoyed 81 per cent possession during the first half and Brazil were restricted to one shot on goal, with Geyse’s effort blocked by Jess Carter - who came into the side to start at left-back in the absence of Mille Bright.
Geyse’s shot came in the 19th minute and moments later England were ahead. It was a brilliant move as they worked the ball up from the halfway line and into Brazil’s box. Lucy Bronze finished it off by picking out Toone with a cut-back and the midfielder made no mistake with the goal gaping.
England could, and probably should, have doubled their lead before half-time. Lauren James caused plenty of problems out wide and she also had an effort ruled out for offside.
After a lacklustre first-half where they were played off the park, Brazil came out firing. Alves, who was one of two half-time changes, drew a save from Earps within seconds of coming on.
Earps had to be alert 15 minutes later as she tipped Geyse’s stinging effort onto the crossbar. Moments earlier, Ary Borges scuffed a golden chance when the ball was cut back to her.
Brazil were pressing England’s defence much higher in the second-half and they were getting joy from it. The Lionesses struggled to play out from the back and on more than one occasion captain Leah Williamson had to be on hand to mop up. England’s concern that their lead could be wiped out was summed up by Earps being booked for time-wasting.
The introduction of Kelly and Rachel Daly gave the Lionesses a shot in the arm, with their pace upfront helping relieve some of the pressure on the defence.
It looked like England had done enough but then, with just seconds to go, Brazil snatched an equaliser. A harmless cross came into the box, however Earps spilled it and Alves was on hand to fire home in the 93rd minute.
That sent the game to penalties and this time Earps was the hero and not the villain, making a fine save to deny Tamires.
Only Toone missed for England, with all other four takers scoring to ensure England’s road to the World Cup remains free of bumps.
