Brazil women’s national team defeated on penalties by England in final

Pia Sundhage arrives short for decision

The Brazilian Women’s National Team has been suffering from absences months before the World Cup, the most important tournament on the 2023 calendar. For the Final, against England, Brazil lost part of its attack with the absence of Queen Marta, Ludmila and Debinha. In the middle, Duda Sampaio, from Corinthians, also missed the selection. The most serious case among the absences is that of goalkeeper Lorena, who underwent surgery and could be out of action for up to eight months, losing the World Cup dispute.

Brazil women’s national team

Full house for the decision

For the Finalissima, Wembley received a large audience, worthy of a great celebration for Women’s Football worldwide. Altogether were 83,132 fans. Among the most famous was Richarlison, who plays for Tottenham in England and whenever he can, he is present in the matches of the Brazilian Women’s Selections.

Brazil faces difficulties in the first stage

Playing away from home, in the middle of Wembley against the English, coach Pia Sundhage chose to reinforce the defensive system with three defenders to try to contain the momentum of the English attack, formed by Lauren Hemp, Lauren James and Alessia Russo. With that, the Brazilian defense behaved better and managed to hold back most of the opponents’ attacks. However, in the 23rd minute, the English arrived on the right with a beautiful exchange of passes that ended with a goal by Ella Tooner. After the goal, the Brazilians improved, but failed to reach the goal defended by Mary Earps.

Brazil comes back better for the second stage

After a first half with few Brazilian attacks, Pia Sundhage returned with changes for the second half. Adriana and Andressa Alves entered to renew the energy of the front line of Brazil, which managed to arrive well in the first minute and forced Mary Earps to make the first defense of the second half.

With Andressa Alves fluctuating across the attacking field, Brazil continued on top of the English in search of a tie. At 10 minutes, Geyse made a great play on the right and crossed with sugar for Ari Borges, who almost scored the Brazilian goal. At 13, Geyse reappeared and took a chance from outside the area, forcing goalkeeper Mary Earps to make a great save.

After a lot of pressure, Brazil reached a tie forty-seven minutes into the second stage after a mistake by goalkeeper Mary Earps and Andressa Alves’ striker instinct, who completed the goal.

penalty shootout

After the tie at lights out, the final won another chapter, the last of the 2023 edition, the penalty shootout. Unfortunately, the Brazilian players ended up bumping into Mary Earpsm who saved a penalty and the crossbar, while goalkeeper Letícia Izidoro saved Ella Toone’s charge, but it was not enough to avoid the defeat of the Brazilian team.

Brazilian team strengthens even with defeat

It was understandable that the Brazilian team was defeated at Wembley today, against England. However, from everything we saw today, the team leaves the Finalissima much better than it entered. In constant evolution under Pia Sundhage, Brazil arrives at the World Cup aiming for good positions and an equal dispute with the great European teams and the United States, which will defend the title of world champion.

Featured Photo: Kerolin and Georgia Stanway in Brazil vs England. Playback/CBF