This Thursday, England have the chance to win another title in front of a sold-out crowd at Wembley Stadium in London. Sarina Wiegman’s side will take on Brazil in the first ever Women’s Finalissima, a match between the European and South American champions. This game offers both teams a chance to test themselves against quality opposition ahead of the Women’s World Cup this July and August in Australia and New Zealand.
The Finalissima is a one-off game between the champions of Europe and South America, although it is not one that happens very often. Last year brought the first Finalissima since 1993, with Argentina’s men’s team beating Italy 3-0 at Wembley. Three Finalissimas have taken place in total – the first was in 1985, with France defeating Uruguay in Paris – but this is the first time it has featured women’s teams.
Brazil qualified as South America’s representatives on 30 July by beating Colombia 1-0 in the final of the Copa America Femenina. The following day, England secured their spot by beating Germany 2-1 after extra time in the Euro 2022 final. Arsenal and Brazil defender Rafaelle Souza said: “It is going to be a special night with all these people here. I feel special to have this opportunity.”
Brazil are coached by legendary Swedish coach Pia Sundhage, who previously coached both Sweden and the United States, winning Olympic gold with the latter in 2008 and 2012 as well as taking them to the 2011 World Cup final. She scored the winning penalty against England as her country won the inaugural European Championship in 1984 at Luton’s Kenilworth Road.
Brazil are missing their most experienced player – 37-year-old football icon Marta, who pulled out with a thigh injury. Several players from Brazil’s Copa America-winning side are also missing through injury – Lorena, Tainara, Angelina and Debinha are absent, but Barcelona striker Geyse Ferreira and Palmeiras’ Bia Zaneratto should offer a goal threat.
Since the summer, England head coach Wiegman has given new players a chance to stake their claim for a World Cup spot. Lauren James, Esme Morgan, Jess Park, Maya le Tissier and Katie Robinson have all been handed their debuts since the summer, while Chloe Kelly, Ella Toone and Alessia Russo have gone from being super subs to firm starters.
England will start the game as favourites at Wembley. Ranked fourth in the world, Wiegman’s side are unbeaten since April 2021, a run of 29 fixtures, and have not suffered defeat under their Dutch coach. This includes victory at Euro 2022 and a win over world champions United States at Wembley last October. Brazil have lost two of their three meetings with England – a 1-0 friendly defeat at Nottingham’s Meadow Lane in October 2018, and a 2-1 SheBelieves Cup loss in the USA in February 2019. Their only victory over the Lionesses did happen on English soil however, a 2-1 friendly win at Middlesbrough in October 2019 – their most recent meeting.
Thursday’s match between England and Brazil is an important one for both teams as they prepare for the Women’s World Cup this summer. England will look to extend their unbeaten run to 30 games, while Brazil will be hoping to prove they can compete with quality opposition despite missing several key players. It promises to be an exciting match at Wembley Stadium with 90,000 people in attendance.