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Football London
Football London
Sport
Hannah Pinnock

England Lionesses edge out Brazil in first ever women's Finalissima as Wiegman goes 30 unbeaten

England's Lionesses extended their unbeaten run to 30 games after a 1-1 draw against Brazil at Wembley Stadium in the first-ever Finalissima after a dramatic penalty shootout.

Chloe Kelly did what she does best and won the match once again to secure more silverware for England after Mary Earps did her bit in the shootout with a save.

England got off to a flying start as they looked to pin Brazil back and dominate possession. On 23 minutes, they found a breakthrough after some patient build-up play.

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Lucy Bronze played a clever one-two with Georgia Stanway down the right and the England full back was able to pick out Ella Toone in the box, who fired it into the back of the net. The Lionesses continued to look threatening going forward, Lauren James proved to be a handful in the first half with a number of chances, one found the back of the net but was subsequently chalked off for offside.

After the break, Brazil looked a different side as they started to dominate possession and create the better chances. Geyse forced a save from Earps as they looked to capitalise on defensive errors from England.

Right at the death, Brazil clinched the equaliser after Earps fumbled her save. Andressa Alves found the back of the net and it was certainly deserved for the visitors as they had been knocking on the door for the entirety of the second half.

Penalties were needed to separate the two, with Toone seeing her effort saved. But Earps made a crucial stop to ensure England remained in control of the shootout. Moments later, Arsenal defender Rafaelle could only hit the crossbar and it was Kelly who sealed the win for the Lionesses.

Here are the big talking points from Wembley Stadium:

Lauren James shows continued strength

The Chelsea forward has impressed this season for both club and country and Thursday night was no different. The 21-year-old was a real outlet for the Lionesses against Brazil and her footwork, directness and drive caused all sorts of problems for the Brazil back line.

She was unfortunate not to get on the scoresheet in the first half after she saw an effort ruled out for offside, but she continued to create chances. Her influence fizzled second half as Brazil started to get a foothold on proceedings and England saw less of the ball.

There's a sense she has more to show and more gears to work through, she just needs to show it consistently. She'll no doubt have a big part to play at the World Cup.

Greenwood steps up as 'Plan B'

Chelsea defender Millie Bright has been a mainstay for the Lionesses for some time but an injury forced her to withdraw from the camp and Sarina Wiegman had to resort to a 'Plan B'. Alex Greenwood, who has been in fantastic form for Manchester City this season, stepped up alongside Leah Williamson in her absence and both had a solid game.

Brazil upped the intensity second half and, despite some lacklustre passing in the middle of the park, Greenwood and Williamson were able to deal with what was thrown at them. Bright will no doubt remain first choice, but England proved they have a solid back up plan.

A game of two halves

The Lionesses dominated proceedings in the first half, but it was a different story after the break as England just couldn't get going. Brazil carved out the better chances, forcing a fingertip save from Earps.

There will be a concern as to how Wiegman's side allowed the game to get away from them, they were far too careless with their passing and gifted their opponents one too many opportunities.

Earps proves why she's No.1

Mary Earps is such a key figure under Sarina Wiegman and she once again proved why she's No.1. Brazil dominated the start of the second half and after some casual play from the Lionesses, Geyse found herself in space and struck from distance.

It looked bound for the top corner but Earps was able to get a fingertip to it and push it onto the crossbar and out for a corner. It was a huge save in a big moment where the Lionesses found themselves under pressure.

Her fumbled save at the death allowed Brazil to find an equaliser, but she more than made up for her error with a huge save in the penalty shootout after Toone saw her effort from the spot stopped moments before.

Chloe Kelly does it again

If scoring the winner in a Euros final wasn't enough, Chloe Kelly has stepped up for the Lionesses on the big stage again. Replacing Lauren James in the second half, she offered England increased intensity off the ball in the closing stages of the game.

Toone saw her penalty saved, but a stop from Earps and Rafaelle hitting the crossbar ensured England were in control of the shootout. Kelly just needed to score and that she did as she made no mistake from the spot to clinch another trophy for the Lionesses.

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