England beat Brazil in a dramatic penalty shootout to win their first women’s final and extend their unbeaten run to 30 games.
Chloe Kelly, who scored the winning goal in last year’s Euro 2022 final at Wembley, netted the decisive spot-kick and immediately ran to celebrate with the fans in the stands.
Brazil substitute Andressa Alves equalized in stoppage time to force a shoot-out after Ella Toney had given England a first-half lead.
It was a historic night at Wembley Stadium as the European champions were severely tested by Copa America winners Brazil, but it ended with the familiar sight of captain Leah Williamson lifting the trophy.
The Lionesses were given their biggest test of the year by a talented, albeit injury-plagued, Brazil side but they provided more silverware as their momentum picked up ahead of this summer’s World Cups in Australia and New Zealand. It is getting faster.
The shoot-out was a test of nerve and England came through in another statement of their intent to deliver on the world stage in four months’ time.
Brazil test England’s nerve on historic night
Wegman expected England to be tested defensively at Wembley and they certainly were as the young Brazilian side created a number of chances in search of an equalizer in the second half.
England controlled the game from the first minute in front of an expected 83,132 fans in London, with Lauren Hamp and Alicia Russo’s moves particularly effective in the first half.
They deserved their half-time lead and looked in complete control until Brazil made changes at the break and began to show their credentials in attack.
Barcelona forward Guez caused all sorts of problems and came close to scoring for the visitors when goalkeeper Marie Earps tipped his long-range effort over the crossbar.
England were hanging on in stoppage time until Earps, who was superb during their Euro 2022 triumph, made a rare error, curling a cross that fell to the feet of substitute Alois and he netted. Thrown into the roof.
But the Lions, who have often shown resilience under Wigman, regrouped to win the shootout 4-2 and retain their Arnold Clarke Cup crown in February for their second trophy win of the year. Lee.
It was a perfect challenge ahead of the World Cup and a timely reminder that England are not invincible, although they have felt that way at times over the past 12 months.
Toone and hum affect as the competition heats up.
There was much to be excited about from England’s performance in the first half as their attacking play was free-flowing, creative and effective.
There is competition for places up front and Lauren Hamp showed why he should start on the left, causing problems for Brazil.
Toon, who has gone from super sub to starter since the Euros, also took the opportunity to cement his place in midfield in the absence of injured Chelsea star Fran Kirby and grabbed a goal to show for his efforts.
However, the second half showed that England still have some improvement to make in defense – although they reacted to Brazil’s more direct approach as the game wore on.
They weathered the storm before Alves’ late equalizer but Wegmann will be encouraged by their response to advance to the shoot-out.
