England’s victory in the first-ever Finalissima will undoubtedly provide valuable experience for their upcoming World Cup campaign.
The Lionesses clinched the trophy in front of a crowd of 83,132 at Wembley, defeating Brazil on penalties after Ella Toone’s first-half strike had given them the lead. However, an equaliser from Andressa Alves in the dying moments of the game took the match to a shootout, which England ultimately won 4-2.
Sarina Wiegman’s team dominated the first half, but half-time changes from Brazil’s coach, Pia Sundhage, saw the visitors come out much more assertively in the second half. The decision to abandon their back-three formation put England under severe pressure, and they began to make uncharacteristic mistakes.
This kind of test was not faced by the Lionesses during the Euros last summer, where they faced Spain and Germany in their toughest games, but never looked as shaky as they did against Brazil.
Despite Brazil’s equaliser, England did not lose their composure, regrouping immediately after the final whistle to prepare for the shootout.
The Lionesses also gained valuable experience in winning a penalty shootout, which they had yet to experience under Wiegman’s leadership. The Dutchwoman expressed her delight with the team’s performance, highlighting the importance of experience in recognising and dealing with pressure situations.
“I am happy, it is good that we have this information. Experience [helps] you recognise situations – how you feel with that walk to the penalty spot with 83,000 people screaming. It really helps, and shows again that we can do it,” she said after the match.
England’s final friendly against Australia will provide another opportunity for them to learn and prepare ahead of the World Cup.
Credit: 90min.com
