England beat Brazil on penalties to win Women's Finalissima

LONDON: England beat Brazil 4-2 in a dramatic penalty shootout to win the first-ever Women's Finalissima at Wembley on Thursday, with Euro 2022 hero Chloe Kelly scoring the decisive spot-kick after a 1-1 draw. Sarina Wiegman's European champions were on course for a narrow win after taking the lead in a first half they dominated through a well-worked team goal finished off by Ella Toone. But Copa America Femenina winners Brazil were transformed after the break and threatened to spoil the party when Andressa Alves fired home from close range in the 93rd minute.

With no extra time, the game went straight to penalties. Georgia Stanway, Rachel Daly and Alex Greenwood scored from the spot to put England 3-1 ahead. Kerolin kept the contest alive but Kelly -- who scored the winning goal in the European Championship final at Wembley last year -- slotted home coolly to seal the win.

Wiegman said her team, preparing for the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, which starts in July, had not had much chance to practise penalties. "We practised yesterday and before the Euros we practised a lot," she said. "We just repeated it yesterday in case.

We knew what to do and we did good." The Dutch coach -- yet to taste defeat as England boss -- said she felt "privileged" to reach 30 games unbeaten. "I'm very happy working here," she said. "Such an incredible group.