The inaugural Womens Finalissima 2023 saw European champions England edge past South American champions Brazil 4-2 on penalties after a tense 1-1 draw at a sold-out Wembley Stadium. Ella Toone opened the scoring for the Lionesses in the first half, but a dramatic stoppage-time equalizer from Brazil's Andressa Alves sent the clash straight to spot-kicks, where Chloe Kelly converted the decisive penalty to secure another piece of international silverware under manager Sarina Wiegman.
Played on April 6, 2023, this historic fixture marked the first time the winners of the UEFA Women's Championship and the Copa América Femenina faced off in an official intercontinental showdown. With an attendance of 83,132 fans packed into Wembley Stadium, the match served as a crucial high-stakes warmup ahead of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, testing squad depth, tactical adaptability, and mental resilience under pressure.
Match Breakdown and Tactical Flow
England started on the front foot, dictating the tempo and pinning Brazil back with quick passing rotations. The breakthrough arrived in the 22nd minute when Lucy Bronze drove down the right flank before cutting the ball back for Ella Toone, who slotted a precise finish past goalkeeper Letícia Izidoro. Toone’s deployment as the number ten proved vital in the opening period, exploiting spaces between Brazil's midfield and defensive lines.
Brazil, coached by Pia Sundhage, struggled to find their rhythm in the first half against a disciplined English block. However, the complexion of the game shifted dramatically after the interval. The Seleção introduced more attacking intensity, pressing higher up the pitch and forcing England into defensive errors.
The sustained pressure finally cracked England's backline in the 93rd minute. A low cross from the right wing caused panic in the box, and England goalkeeper Mary Earps—usually immaculate—spilled the loose ball, allowing substitute Andressa Alves to poke home from close range. The late strike stunned the home crowd and forced the match straight to a penalty shootout without extra time, per the tournament's knockout rules.
The Penalty Shootout Drama
With the score locked at 1-1 after regulation time, the match was decided from twelve yards.
- Georgia Stanway stepped up first for England, firing cleanly into the top left corner.
- Adriana leveled for Brazil with a composed finish down the center.
- Ella Toone saw her penalty saved by Letícia, giving Brazil an early advantage.
- Tamires failed to capitalize, with Mary Earps redeeming her earlier error by diving low to her right to palm the ball away.
- Rachel Daly scored to restore momentum for the Lionesses.
- Rafaelle Souza, Brazil's captain, crashed her penalty against the crossbar.
- Alex Greenwood hammered her attempt into the corner.
- Kerolin kept Brazil alive with a sharp finish.
- Chloe Kelly stepped up fifth and smashed her shot past the keeper, triggering wild celebrations across the pitch.
Key Takeaways for Both Teams
For England, the fixture underscored both their winning mentality and the depth of talent available to Wiegman. Even without injured starters like Millie Bright and Fran Kirby, the Lionesses extended their remarkable unbeaten run and demonstrated the composure needed to win tight, gritty matches against elite global opponents.
For Brazil, the performance highlighted significant tactical growth under Sundhage. Recovering from a dominant first half by England to equalize late proved that the South American champions could match European heavyweights physically and technically. The match provided invaluable data ahead of their World Cup campaign, exposing minor vulnerabilities in defensive concentration while highlighting the impact of dynamic substitutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who scored the goals in the 2023 Women's Finalissima?
England's Ella Toone scored in the 22nd minute during regular play. Brazil's Andressa Alves equalized in the 93rd minute. In the penalty shootout, Georgia Stanway, Rachel Daly, Alex Greenwood, and Chloe Kelly scored for England, while Adriana and Kerolin converted for Brazil.
What was the attendance at Wembley Stadium?
The match drew a massive crowd of 83,132 spectators to Wembley Stadium in London, creating a vibrant atmosphere that reflected the rapid growth of women's international football.
Why did England and Brazil play in the Finalissima?
The teams qualified by winning their respective continental tournaments. England earned their spot by winning the UEFA Women's Euro 2022, while Brazil qualified by capturing the 2022 Copa América Femenina title.
Did the match go to extra time?
No. According to the tournament regulations, matches level after 90 minutes skipped extra time and went directly into a penalty shootout to determine the winner.
