On Thursday, the England Lionesses emerged victorious over Brazil in a penalty shootout to win the inaugural women’s Finalissima, which took place at a sold-out Wembley Stadium.
The tournament pitted England, the winners of the 2022 Euros, against Brazil, who had recently claimed the Copa America title.
This was the first time that the women’s Finalissima had been held, following the men’s event last year, where Lionel Messi’s Argentina secured a 3-0 victory over Italy.
The Lionesses made history with a thrilling win, achieved through a dramatic penalty shootout victory.
The opening goal was created through a superb combination between Lauren James, Georgia Stanway, and Lucy Bronze, with Bronze, ultimately setting up Ella Toone to score with a tidy first-touch finish into the net in the 23rd minute.
Ella Toone loves a goal at Wembley 😍
The Man United star gives the Lionesses the lead in the #Finalissima against Brazil at Wembley 👏pic.twitter.com/nL7Hhttrt6
— SPORTbible (@sportbible) April 6, 2023
The Manchester United forward now has 16 international goals in just 30 appearances for the Lionesses.
It’s also not the first time she has scored at the home of English football, having netted in her side’s Euro 2022 triumph against Germany last summer.
Brazil left it late to equalise as Andressa Alves smashed home from close range to make it 1-1, forcing a penalty shootout.
The Lionesses went onto beat Brazil, winning the penalty shootout 4-2.
Chloe Kelly wins the Finalissima for England! 🤩🏆#Finalissima | #Lionesses pic.twitter.com/mFnVhe1Ss3
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) April 6, 2023
Stanway, Rachel Daly, Alex Greenwood and Chloe Kelly all converted from the spot, with Mary Earps making a huge save to stop Tamires from scoring.
Kelly, who scored the winning goal against Germany in the Euro 2022 final, said: “It’s great being back here at Wembley in front of our own fans. This feels like home to me and the girls put in a brilliant performance tonight and we keep going forward.
“I just looked the keeper in the eye and I just thought I was going to score.
“It’s about moving forward and being ready for July. I think we’re building momentum and moving forward now.”
It’s another trophy for the Lionesses following last summer’s success.
Sarina Wiegman’s side return to action next Tuesday when they face Australia in a friendly match.
And, of course, the Lionesses begin their women’s World Cup campaign on July 22 against Haiti before facing Denmark and China.
Will the women’s European champions become world champions? Let us know what you think.