Sarina Wiegman hails England’s resilience after penalty shootout win over Brazil

The Lionesses led through Ella Toone’s finish in the 23rd minute until the third minute of stoppage time, when Mary Earps spilled a cross and substitute Andressa Alves fired to tie things up at 1-1 and bring the game down to shots from point.

In the ensuing shootout, Toone was the first player not to score, and Leticia saved her effort, but Earps produced a great save to deny Tamires moments later.

And after Rafaelle sent her kick off the bar, Chloe Kelly converted the decisive penalty to secure England a 4-2 victory and another trophy, in front of a crowd of 83,132.

Boss Wiegman said: “It was a very exciting night at the end of course with an amazing crowd and pitch – we will never take this environment for granted.

“I think the first half we played very well. We had a lot of possession, we created a lot of chances, we scored an incredible goal, we were hoping to score a little more than one.

“In the second half they went back to 4-4-2, they put very high pressure and then we were struggling to get out of their pressure, to keep possession of the ball, then they became dangerous, and in the end we conceded a goal, which It can happen.

England vs Brazil – Women's Finalissima – Wembley Stadium
Niamh Charles, Lauren Hemp, Laura Coombs and Esme Morgan celebrate with the trophy (Adam Davy/PA)

“I think the team did very well just showing resilience, so it was done, we were moving forward, we had to do a job and take penalties as best as possible, or stop it as best as possible, and that’s what we wanted. did.”

It was the first time Wiegman’s European champions had been involved in a shootout during their unbeaten 30-game tenure.

And the Dutchwoman, whose team opens their World Cup campaign in Australia and New Zealand on July 22, said: “I think that always helps, the experiences, then you recognize the situations, how do you feel when you have that walk with 83,000 people screaming. .

“After all, I am very happy with the penalties: the moment we drew, of course I was not happy, we were all not happy, but we changed very quickly.

Chloe Kelly
Chloe Kelly celebrates scoring the winning penalty (Adam Davy/PA)

“We had some tough times (before) but we haven’t had a shootout yet, in an environment like this.

“Of course you practice it and try to get as close to a real game as possible, but it can’t get more real than this, so I think that really helps. Each experience will help you move forward.”

It was another memorable Wembley moment for Kelly, who scored the winning goal in last summer’s Euro Cup final at the stadium.

And Wiegman added: “Very good, right! I also told her. In the end it’s a team thing, but it was really nice, now the final moments, in the Eurocup the final moments. That looks really good!”

England play what will be their last game before Wiegman names his World Cup squad when they face Australia in Brentford on Tuesday.

Brazil boss Pia Sundhage, whose team had closed in just before the hour when Geyse’s shot struck Earps’ palm and the ball fell off the crossbar, said of the closing stages: “When you score a goal in front of so many people, it’s a feeling we’ll all remember, everyone goes crazy, which was great.

“Then we lost on penalty kicks. Right now, I think it’s difficult, it’s difficult, but at the end of the day this is not the World Cup. This is a trip to the World Cup and we are learning a lot from this game.

“The younger players experienced a great England, probably one of the favorites in the World Cup, but also in front of a great crowd. We said you have to enjoy this moment, and I think they did, especially in the second half.”

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