England have won the 2023 Women’s Finalissima after defeating Brazil 4-2 on penalties at Wembley this evening.
The two sides battled out a 1-1 draw in normal time before England went on to hold their nerve from 12 yards in the shootout.
England started brightly at Wembley and Lucy Bronze tested visiting keeper Leticia early on with a shot from distance. At the other end, Geyse provided the attacking threat for Brazil and she saw an effort deflected wide of goal.
The hosts broke the deadlock midway through the half through Ella Toone. The Manchester United midfielder was perfectly placed to convert a Bronze cut-back and give her side the lead.
Lauren James then thought that she had put her side 2-0 up when she thumped the ball high into the Brazilian net but the offside flag was raised. It seemed a controversial decision, especially when VAR was available for use in the stadium.
England went close on two occasions just before the half-time interval. First, Lauren Hemp headed straight at Leticia from a James cross before the latter curled an effort the wrong side of the far post.
Brazil were much brighter early in the second half. Andressa Alves forced a save out of Earps before Kerolin drilled a low effort wide. Earps then had to be at her very best to tip a Geyse shot to safety.
England finally warmed to the task in the second half and Georgia Stanway produced a good save from Leticia with a shot from distance.
From that point onwards, England never really looked like letting the lead slip, although they created few quality goalscoring chances. Rachel Daly and Chloe Kelly added energy when they came on but neither were able to test Leticia.
The Lionesses seemed set to secure the trophy but a horrible error from keeper Earps handed Andressa Alves an equaliser deep in second half injury time.
In the resulting penalty shootout, England converted four of their five spot kicks as they went on to win 4-2. The 2023 Women’s Finalissima is the fourth trophy that the Lionesses have won under the guidance of head coach Sarina Wiegman.