Chloe Kelly is England’s hero AGAIN as she strikes decisive penalty to win Finalissima for Lionesses against Brazil
CHLOE KELLY was the toast of Wembley AGAIN after sealing England’s glorious Finalissima triumph over Brazil.
The Manchester City star struck the winning penalty to secure a 4-2 shootout triumph just eight months after her strike won Euro 2022 for the Lionesses.
Kelly said: “I looked the keeper in the eye and thought I’m going to score.”
It extended England’s unbeaten run to a staggering 30 matches.
Her long striding run and deadly finish saw Sarina Wiegman’s side overcome a rude awakening from a battling Brazil team.
The delighted forward: “It’s great being back here at Wembley in front of our home fans. They were brilliant again tonight.
“This feels like home to me. It’s brilliant to be back here. It was an excellent performance from the girls and we keep moving forward.
“I was just excited for it. I calmed myself down and was ready to take it.
“We’re made of great people here. Staff and players. It’s about moving forward and being ready for July.
“It was a different challenge here tonight. We are building momentum and now we have to keep moving forward.”
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It was a result that saw them reach the 30-game unbeaten mark under Wiegman.
The last duel between the sides at the famous ground ended in a 2-1 loss for a home team then managed by Phil Neville.
Back then the Lionesses faced a Brazil outfit featuring Selecao legends Marta and Formiga plus rumoured Arsenal target Debinha.
But this game was a different affair with Wiegman’s Euros winners facing a much more youthful Brazil side.
England got off to a solid start with the Copa America Feminina champs pinned into their own for large chunks of the first half.
The crowd roared for a penalty when Alessia Russo was fouled by Rafaelle after latching on to Lucy Bronze’s classy fifth-minute pass over Brazil’s defence. But the forward was waved offside.
The first real chance fell to Barcelona star Bronze, who was among the match’s standout performers.
The England full-back leathered the ball towards goal from just outside the 18-yard box, forcing a diving save from shot stopper Leticia in the 13th minute.
Brazil attempted to get their attack going with Geyse’s shot deflected out for a corner.
The deadlock was broken in the 23rd minute when England carved the visitors backline open with Bronze teeing up Ella Toone to slam the ball home.
And the hosts saw a goal disallowed with Lauren James flagged offside near the half-hour mark and Bronze’s header from a corner bouncing wide close to half-time.
The second spell saw Brazil ring the changes with Andressa Alves and Adriana coming on for Lauren and Zaneratto.
And it made the difference with Andressa pouncing in the third minute of injury time to take the duel to penalties after Mary Earps spilled the ball.
But the Manchester United goalkeeper made amends to pull off a brilliant save from Tamires as England won the shootout 4-2 to lift a first Women’s Finalissima trophy.
Former England and Manchester City goalkeeper Karen Bardsley said on BBC Radio 5 Live: “I love the celebrations.
“Everyone went straight to Mary Earps, and she is just drinking it in and going and celebrating with the crowd.
“Again, it speaks to the mentality of this team. They love winning.”
ENGLAND: Earps, Bronze, Williamson, Greenwood, Carter, Stanway, Walsh, Toone, Hemp (Robinson 88), Russo (Daly 74), James (Kelly 74). Booked: Earps, Hemp.
BRAZIL: Leticia, Kathellen, Lauren (Andressa 46), Rafaelle, Antonia (Gabi Nunes 87), Ary (Fernanda 87), Luana (Duda 69), Kerolin, Tamires, Zaneratto (Adriana 46), Geyse. Booked: Rafaelle.