Lioness Success In First Ever Women's Finalissima

MATCH REPORT (6TH APRIL 2023)

BY HANNAH-ROSE MAXWELL

IMAGE: England’s Lionesses Celebrate Victory in First Ever Women’s Finalissima. SOURCE: Sky News

Over 83,000 people packed into Wembley Stadium as the sun sets on a sunny day in London, ready for the first ever female Finalissima between England and Brazil.

It was a good start for England, who had 80% if the possession within the first 20 minutes of the match. Unfortunately, they appeared to lack the cutting edge they needed in the final third whilst still managing to keep Brazil quiet and contained.

A brilliant move in the 23rd minute by the Lionesses’ however meant deadlock was broken through Manchester United star Ella Toone. Fantastic positioning by Chelsea’s Lauren James allowed the Lionesses to drive forward. Lucy Bronze pulled the ball back in the box to Toone who finished with a powerful shot. And exceptional team goal. 1-0 England.

England thought they’d doubled their lead when James’ shot landed in the top corner but unfortunately, she was marginally offside. 1-0 it remained at half-time, Toone’s goal the difference at the break with England’s cutting-edge keeping Brazil under control.

A double substitution for Brazil at half-time meant a change in shape for the South American side in an attempt to combat England’s attacking threat. These changes proved effective, with Brazil’s closest chance coming early on the second half through Kerolin, whose shot from 6 yards out scraped wide of the England post. The first real threat for Lionesses’ keeper Mary Earps.

From here on Brazil became more dominant yet failed to capitalise on any of the half-chances they produced. Geyse’s spectacular shot in the 59th minute forced a great save from Earps, forcing a corner for Brazil. England managed to scramble the ball away and the threat was diminished for now. A Brazil goal was brewing, a feeling which could be felt throughout a tense Wembley Stadium.

A heart-in-mouth moment for England in the 67th minute when Alex Greenwood was caught out on the ball, Geyse had a one-on-one with Earps from the right hand side but luckily for the Lionesses, captain Leah Williamson was there to intercept the pull-back pass, another chance wasted for Brazil.

A double substitution for the Lionesses halfway through the second half, saw the introduction of Chloe Kelly and Rachel Daly onto the forward line. With her first touch of the ball, Aston Villa’s Daly had a one-on-one with Brazilian Keeper Leticia. She saw her shot fall just inches above the bar, a positive sign for the Lionesses.

After a lengthy stoppage for a head injury on England’s Lauren Hemp, promising youngster Katie Robinson came on as a substitution, collecting her 4th international cap. Meanwhile the fourth official indicated additional time, the Lionesses had 5 more minutes to hang on to their lead.

But there was last minute heartbreak for England and after a hard fought 60 minutes in the lead, Brazil equalised in extra time after a scramble in the box, Mary Earps couldn’t keep a grip on the ball and Alves da Silva took advantage. Penalties were to follow.

A tense Wembley Stadium watched on as Georgia Stanway lined up to take the first penalty of the first ever Women’s Finalissima, and she powered her shot into the bottom corner. Brazil’s first penalty also goes in, Mary Earps got a hand to it but unfortunately it was not strong enough. 1-1.

Hero in the 23rd minute Ella Toone missed her penalty as it is saved by Leticia. Luckily Brazil could not capitalise on the advantage from the spot either with a fine save from Earps. 1-1 on penalties it remained.

A powerful penalty by Rachel Daly put the Lionesses back on track. Brazilian defender Rafaelle missed her penalty. Advantage England.

No doubts in the next round as both Alex Greenwood and Kerolin both confidently put away their penalties.

Chloe Kelly stepped up for England, knowing that scoring will win the Lionesses’ the title, and just as she did in the dying minutes of the Women’s European Championship final 9 months ago, Kelly scored, sending a sold-out Wembley Stadium crowd into jubilation.

The Lionesses win the first ever Women’s Finalissima, another title for England after so many years of hurt and a fantastic show of strength and determination by the Lionesses in preparation for the Women’s World Cup in a few months time.