April 9 – England’s women levelled up the first of Finalissima series between UEFA and Conmebol with a penalty shoot-put win over Brazil.
Last year Argentina’s men beat Italy 3-0 in the inaugural match of the competition between the champions of the two confederations. Both matches were played to sell out crowds at England’s Wembley stadium.
England took the lead on 26 minutes when Ella Toone rifled in her 16th goal for England.
With England looking comfortable, they went in at half time 1-0. Brazil made two substitutions for the start of the second half and they had an impact with the South American champions gradually working themselves back into the match.
But the equaliser didn’t come until three minutes into added time and the result of an uncharacteristic mistake by England goalkeeper Mary Earps.
Brazilian sub Andressa Alves pounced on a spill from Earps to bring Brazil level and take the game to penalties.
Earps redeemed herself in the shoot-out with a fine save as England went on to win the shoot-out 4-2 with goals from Georgia Stanway, Rachel Daly and Alex Greenwood before Chloe Kelly settled the match.
England captain Leah Williamson, commented: “We weren’t best pleased with our second-half performance, but to win on a penalty shoot-out at Wembley, it’s not too bad, is it?”
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