Bulleen off the mark and Okino’s clinic: NPLW Victoria Round Four

by Kieran Yap (10/4/23)

Bulleen Lions recorded their first win of the season, Heidelberg United defeated a dangerous Box Hill United and the NPLW Victoria might have a new star striker as Round Four once again delivered some incredible games.

Above: Heidelberg United (yellow) and South Melbourne face off. Photo: Jack Dilks.

FV Emerging 4-4 Bayside United SC

Two weeks ago, this column wrote that FV Emerging’s 6-1 loss to South Melbourne should not be a huge cause for concern. The development team can sometimes be inconsistent and may take some time to grow into the season, but the talent remains indisputable. Against Bayside United FC on Friday night, they showed what they can do.

The 4-4 draw will be viewed as a two points lost by the youngsters, but the performance was commendable, and the winning mentality is already instilled in this side. Bayside United have also done more than enough to show they are in this league to fight for every point.

This game was nothing but goals, both teams attacked from the start and FV Emerging were on fire early. Anika Dovaston received the ball in midfield and after spreading it wide, she eventually received it back from Alana Cortellino.

The ball in, might have been intended as a cross, but deceived the keeper to open the scoring. FV Emerging were 1-0 up in the third minute.

Emilie Keppens scored twice for Emerging by the 16th minute to give them a shock 3-0 lead.

On both occasions, quick and directed attacks allowed the striker to get behind the defence, and her composure was matched by the finishes.

Bayside hit back in similar style. A long ball forward by Sienna Fogarty found Olivia Bomford. She got close to goal before tucking it into the bottom corner.

Bomford was involved in Bayside’s next goal. She brought the ball down at the edge of the box and played it low into a dangerous area. New recruit Caitlin Storay beat the defenders to the ball and nicked it beyond the goalkeeper to score Bayside’s second and make it 3-2 before half-time.

FV Emerging regained their two-goal cushion in the 56th minute. Cortellino was put into space after some patient passing. She raced in from the wing and laid in on a platter for Keppens to bring up her hattrick.  This was an easier finish than her other two goals, but another example of the strikers strong instincts.

Bayside were not finished yet. Julia Budiongo kept them in the contest with an incredible half-volley. FV Emerging spent the rest of the match under siege, and although it looked likely that they would hold on for the win, a dramatic equaliser eventually arrived.

In the 97th minute. Kayla Deaver reached a high cross. At great personal risk, she attacked the ball and nodded it into the net to rescue a late draw for Bayside United.

South Melbourne 1-3 Bulleen Lions

Bulleen Lions and South Melbourne braved arctic conditions on Saturday. Although South have been early standard bearers this season, they entered this game with attacker Caitlin Picket in goal. A combination of international call-ups and injury put her in the hot seat, against a team hungry for their first win.

South looked set to continue their strong form early. Tayla Christensen scored from their first opportunity in the 25th minute. She held off the challenge of Lani Johnson to lift the ball over Gaby Garton. The goal has been recorded as an own goal to Johnson, but the view provided looks like Christensen’s goal.

Bulleen sprung to life in the second half. The tricky and creative Rosie Rodger was at the heart of their equaliser. Her twisting run did not result in a shot on target, but the ball fell to Audrey Oastler who tapped it home from close range.

Oatsler’s second and Bulleen’s third arrived just minutes later. Sensing an opportunity, she launched an effort from more than 20 yards. Pickett could do little to stop the strike, and Bulleen had the goal that would deliver them a first win of the season.

Heidelberg United 3-2 Box Hill United

Heidelberg United appear to be switching into top gear already this season. Results are improving and their trademark aggressive style with and without the ball is once again a joy to watch. They came up against a dangerous Box Hill United. The pace of Anais Josefski up front made the visitors a potentially tricky opponent, but The Bergers struck first through Nicole Blackett.

The chance was made through their pressing efforts. Box Hill struggled to play the ball from defence, and once it fell to Blackett 18 yards from goal, she did not hesitate. The first time shot, crashed into the net to set the tone for a fast-paced afternoon of football.

Asuka Doi almost equalised for Box Hill with a towering header that somehow bounced off the crossbar, but Steph Galea doubled Heidelberg’s advantage soon after.

The captain was played through from deep and clipped the ball over the keeper in style. It was Galea’s third goal of the season, and she looks in deadly form so far.

Doi provided Box Bill with a lifeline in the 54th minute. She was unmarked from a corner but was not in a particularly dangerous area. Her header looped high and long over Melissa Maizels to make it 2-1 and it was game on once again.

Heidelberg’s cushion was restored with another long pass. This time it was Patricia Charalambous who was on the end of it and finished calmly to make it 3-1.

It would not be a Box Hill game without Josefski turning on the afterburners. Her powerful, run between the Heidelberg back four took her wide of the goal, but her cross won a penalty after it was judged to be a handball.

Doi tucked away the spot kick to give Box Hill some hope, but the game ended 3-2.

Southern United 0-3 Preston Lions

A wonder goal from Hailee Mesiti set the tone for Preston’s win away from home. The Lions kept up the pressure after a corner kick, and a high looping shot from the edge of the area found the back of the net.

Miri Nishimura’s effort from 18 yards extended the lead for the visitors. As with the first goal, it was a mix of class and persistence.

Preston effectively sealed the win when Rachel Stirton beat her defender to a low cross. her shot was somewhat scuffed, but wrongfooted the keeper to make it 3-0. This was the first match of the season that Preston had scored more than one goal. That they had it from three different scorers will be very encouraging for the coming rounds.

The result takes Preston into the top three with a game in hand over fourth-placed Alamein, and keeps them clear of Bulleen and South Melbourne on points.

Boroondara-Carey Eagles 3-0 Alamein FC

Kurea Okino was in imperious form as Boroondara-Carey defeated Alamein FC at home. The Japanese striker chased down a hopeful pass and buried the chance to open the scoring in the second minute.

Another lofted pass gave Okino a half-chance in the 55th minute. She bustled past two Alamein defenders and shot high into the roof of the net from close range. Her hattrick was brought up in the 77th minute to complete the days scoring. The half-volley was another fantastic finish by the league’s top scorer. It was a deadly mix of technique, power, and placement to give the keeper no chance.

The conclusion of Round Four sees Boroondara-Carey Eagles in top spot, but Heidelberg United steadily catching up. It was Alamein’s first loss of the season, but Bulleen Lion’s first.

Box Hill slid down the ladder, but Preston Lions continued their undefeated run. No clear patterns have emerged, anybody can still win on their day, and the league table remains intriguing and unpredictable so far.

Gustavsson: We won’t shy away from “the toughest challenge ever”

Nathan Edwards reports from Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson‘s media conference today ahead of their match with England tomorrow (10/4/23).

Above: Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson believes his side will invoke their renowned Never Say Die spirit tomorrow night against England. Photo: Hannah Parnell for Impetus.

Matildas boss Tony Gustavsson said that it would be a “massive achievement” to beat England in a game that will be “one of the toughest challenges” that Australia “won’t shy away from.”

Gustavsson will see his side face the recently crowned Finalissima Champions tomorrow night at Brentford, in preparation for the World Cup in July and August where the sides could potentially meet in the last sixteen stage.

Australia’s first friendly in this international window ended in a 1-0 defeat to Scotland, but the match against England, who have been undefeated during Sarina Wiegman’s reign, will offer a different test.

“Right now, they’re (England) the number one team to beat,” Gustavsson said.

“They have a 30-game unbeaten streak, and you look at the football they play as well, they play modern football. They have a high intensity, their pressing game is fantastic, and the ball movement is brilliant.

“Not only have they had this streak against low-ranked opposition, but they have also done it against the top-ranked teams and they still have these results and performances.

“It is going to be one of the toughest challenges we have faced as a team, and we will do it away, in England, which will make it tougher, and with other circumstances out of our control.”

Above: Tony Gustavsson offers advice to Mackenzie Arnold during Australia’s game with Scotland on Friday. Photo: Hannah Parnell for Impetus.

Ahead of these friendlies, Gustavsson said his side had over “500 caps missing,” with
Emily van Egmond and Holly McNamara joining that extended injury list.

The Matildas head coach has seen his squad diminish as the days have gone on during the camp but still wants to use this England game to learn about his squad, ahead of them hosting the World Cup, with New Zealand.

He said, “No matter who steps onto the field, we need to stay true and loyal to our identity, whilst testing ourselves.

“We need to see where we are with our play style, we are still going to try and press as aggressively as we always do, but we know it’s going to be a huge challenge.

“We are coming to play our attacking game, we aren’t here just to keep the score down, and let’s try to survive this game, which might cost us but we are going to be true to who we are.”

Australia haven’t faced England since their 1-1 draw in 2018 at Craven Cottage, and it would be Gustavsson’s first experience managing against the Lionesses, and he will relish the test.

“If you go into the game asking the question ‘where are we?’ and ‘where are they?’ then it will be one of the biggest achievements from the players in terms of overachieving.

“I also know what lives inside this team, and that never say die attitude of the Matildas that has been here way before I was here, and we are going to bring that tomorrow. “We are not going to shy away from this, and it is the toughest challenge ever

Middlesbrough v Leeds United Photo Gallery

Matthew Appleby was pitchside to capture the best of the action in the tier four FA Women’s National League Division One North match at Stockton (10/4/23).

Above: Jess Dawson celebrates after putting Middlesbrough 1-0 up yesterday. Photo: Matthew Appleby.

Middlesbrough 2-2 Leeds United

Leeds United came from 2-0 down to earn a share of the spoils against Middlesbrough yesterday with both of their goals in the final 15 minutes.

Boro went ahead after 31 minutes when Jess Mett’s ball in found Jess Dawson who fired home at the second attempt. They doubled their advantage just before the break when Armani Maxwell’s pressure forced a weak backpass which she managed to get onto and hit a first-time effort into the net.

However, Leeds hit back to claim a point with two goals in a four-minute spell. First, thanks to a cross-shot that flew in, and the leveller came when a long through ball was met with an excellent finish.

Matthew Appleby’s Photo Gallery:

Teams: MIDDLESBROUGH: Dunn, Ward, Foster, Robson, Hanratty, Marshall, Whitaker, Dawson, Maxwell, Wuerfel, Mett. Substitutes: Povey, Pennock, Heslop, Rodgers.

Scorers: Dawson 31′, Maxwell 45′.

LEEDS UNITED: Team/scorers not published.

Attendance: 295.

Charli Grant: “I’m loving the challenge, it makes my game better”

The Matildas defender Charli Grant spoke to the media ahead of Australia’s friendly with England tomorrow. Ben Gilby reports (10/4/23).

Above: Charli Grant sharing her thoughts ahead of tomorrow’s match with England. Image: Football Australia.

Charli Grant’s continual growth has seen the South Australian become an international regular and she is about to face, perhaps her toughest challenge yet against the European champions England on Tuesday.

Speaking from The Matildas’ Surrey training base, the Vittsjö defender affirmed how she thrives on the challenge that tomorrow night’s game will bring against a side who are unbeaten in 30 matches.

“England is a very exciting challenge for us to see where we are ahead of a World Cup. They definitely have one of the best forwards in the world at the moment. It’s a real challenge for our backline. Defensively they were (also) superb in the Euros and in recent friendly matches.

Above: Charli Grant strides forward for Australia against Scotland. Photo: Hannah Parnell for Impetus.

“I love the challenge and coming up against different quality strikers and forwards. It makes my game get better.”

Grant will most likely start in the left-back role against the Lionesses. Whilst this is not a position that many Australian fans have seen her play in, it is the position she plays weekly for Vittsjö in the Damallsvenskan.

The former Adelaide United defender reviewed her performance in the role against Scotland on Good Friday saying: “I was really happy to get the opportunity to play left back, it’s big shoes to fill with Steph out. I was happy to provide some attacking options, I just need to be better with my final passes.”

Reflecting on the team’s back four formation for the game at Wimbledon, Grant said: “It was exciting to have Ellie (Carpenter) back in the team and play in the same side as her. Clare (Hunt) has come in and done exceptionally well. She looks like she has been in the team for years. Polks (Clare Polkinghorne) is always there with composure and leadership.”

Australia’s own unbeaten run came to an end against Scotland on Friday, and whilst there could be a sense of frustration in The Matildas’ challenges in converting the chances they made, Grant is focusing on the positives from that match.

“We had a lot of goalscoring opportunities. We did well with build-up play and there was also some good defensive efforts, and have to take that as a positive.”

Photos from Sunday Matildas Training in Surrey from Rachel Bach/Football Australia:

Australia v Scotland Photo Gallery Two

Hannah Parnell was pitchside at the Australia v Scotland match on Good Friday for Impetus. Here is her second gallery of superb photos from the match (9/4/23).

Above: Matildas’ midfielder Katrina Gorry tackles Scotland’s Kirsty Hanson (10). Photo: Hannah Parnell for Impetus.

To view Hannah Parnell‘s first gallery of photos from the match, click on this link: https://impetusfootball.org/2023/04/07/docherty-rocket-ends-matildas-unbeaten-run/

Dragons roar on return to Cardiff

Wales 4-1 Northern Ireland

by Martin Townley at the Cardiff City Stadium for Impetus (8/4/23).

Above: Jess Fishlock, who scored Cymru’s opening goal, battles her way through Northern Ireland tackles. Photo: Perry Dobbins.

Cymru roared to a victory over Northern Ireland on their first game in Cardiff since their historic World Cup Play-off win. 

Over 6,800 fans set a record attendance for a Cymru friendly as Gemma Grainger’s side outclassed Northern Ireland.

Cymru controlled the first half and created plenty of chances.  Jess Fishlock, Angharad James, and Hannah Cain all scored. Cain getting her first senior international goal.  Gemma Grainger’s side pressed high up the pitch and controlled the tempo of the game passing their way around the pitch.  Northern Ireland struggled to play out form the back and rarely troubled the Welsh defence.

Andy Waterworth’s Northern Ireland side started the second half well and had the better of the early exchanges.  His team failed to capitalise on their start and Cymru got the next goal, Rachel Rowe striking in the 63rd minute.  In the 73rd minute, the Irish had a goal back thanks to Lauren Wade.  Northern Ireland were unable to build on the goal and Cymru again controlled most of the play.   

Cymru were pressing the Irish defence very high up the pitch and Ceri Holland almost robbed the ball from Shannon Turner in the visitors’ goal.  The keeper just evading Holland and getting the ball away.

Cymru got the opening goal in the 15th minute thanks to Jess Fishlock.  Angharad James took a quick throw-in which allowed Rachel Rowe to get away on the right. Rowe made it to the by-line and whipped the ball across goal where Fishlock got in front of her marker to turn the ball in.

Cymru had Northern Ireland pinned back and were looking for a second.  With the green shirts struggling to clear their lines, the ball fell to Fishlock.  Going for her second, Fishlock struck a low shot that went just wide of the post. 

Above: Rachel Rowe celebrates after scoring Cymru’s fourth goal. Photo: Perry Dobbins.

The pressure told and soon Cymru had the second goal.  Captain Sophie Ingle with a perfect cross-field ball to find an unmarked Fishlock in the six-yard area.  Fishlock cushioned the ball across goal for James’ top finish at the back post.

Rachel Rowe lined up a Welsh free kick after a foul on Ingle.  Rowe hit it low underneath the wall, but it was wide of the target.

A third goal soon came and first Cymru goal for Hannah Cain.  After good pressure from Cymru, the ball went out to the right where Roberts met it and sent it into the area.  Cain came running in and swept the ball past Turner as Cymru led 3-0 at the break.

After a better start to the second half, it was Northern Ireland who had the first real chance of the half.  Caragh Hamilton hitting a shot on the turn but putting it wide of Olivia Clark’s goal.

A poor goal kick from Clark saw the ball run to Chloe McCarron outside the box.  McCarron went for goal from distance but her effort was well wide.

A good turn and cross from Rowe almost set up Cain for her second.  Rebecca McKenna doing enough to stop Cian getting a good contact on the ball and her shot went wide.

Ceri Holland whipped a ball into the box and Shannon Turner couldn’t hold it the ball went through to Rowe who made no mistake firing in for Cymru’s fourth.

Lauren Wade made a breakthrough the Welsh defence but her effort on goal was wide.  Soon after Wade had her goal taking the ball from Gemma Evans, Wade put the ball in from angle with Clark unable to stop it.

To view Perry Dobbins’ full photo gallery from the match, click on this link: https://impetusfootball.org/2023/04/07/cymru-v-northern-ireland-photo-gallery/

Teams: CYMRU: Clark, Roberts, Ladd (Green 68′), Evans, E. Morgan (Powell 76′), Ingle, Fishlock (Wynne 87′), James, Rowe (F. Morgan 68′), Holland, Cain (Hughes 68′).

Scorers: Fishlock 15′, James 25′, Cain 30′, Rowe 63′.

NORTHERN IRELAND: Turner, McKenna, Vance (Holloway 46′), McFadden, Mason, Callaghan (Furness 64′), Burrows (Rafferty 76′), Wade, Caldwell, Bell (McCarron 46′), Hamilton (Beattie 76′).

Scorer: Wade 73′.

Referee: Stacey Pearson (ENG).

Attendance: 6,831.

Docherty rocket ends Matildas’ unbeaten run

Australia 0-1 Scotland

Report by Nathan Edwards at Plough Lane for Impetus.

EXCLUSIVE photography from Hannah Parnell (7/4/23)

Above: Australia goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold punches clear during the Matildas clash with Scotland at Wimbledon today. Photo: Hannah Parnell for Impetus.

Nicola Docherty scored the only goal of the game to clinch the win for Scotland in today’s friendly at AFC Wimbledon’s Plough Lane stadium.

After a succession of chances to close out the first half that weren’t taken, Docherty opened the second half by bending a strike past Matildas goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold.

Australia mustered little in front of goal until the deficit and when they did, they struggled to turn their efforts on target.

Upon the defeat, Matildas head coach Tony Gustavsson said, “We have now looked at the individuals of the roster of the 23 players and see where we have the depth.

Above: Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson looks on at Plough Lane today. He is likely to change The Matildas attacking shape ahead of Tuesday’s game with England. Photo: Hannah Parnell for Impetus.

“We had a great opportunity for some of the players to get an opportunity today, and we learned a lot about our individuals and as a team in terms of our play style and how we want to play.”

With Australia missing six key players and Sam Kerr remaining on the bench, the game took until the second half to really open up.

Scotland had three occasions where they could have taken the lead, with two chances falling to Martha Thomas in quick succession. Both her opportunities were in similar positions, with Thomas unable to direct her first shot either side of Arnold, and her second was sent wildly over the bar.

Ellie Carpenter, back after her ACL injury, was making her first appearance for the Matildas since April 2022, had to make a crucial block to deny Emma Watson’s goalward shot. The Scot had an impressive debut.

Talking about the 17-year-olds performance, Scotland boss Pedro Martinez Losa said, “I think the most important thing was about the team, and what players and characters will help the team in any circumstances.

Above: Scotland celebrate Nicola Docherty’s second half winner. Photo: Hannah Parnell for Impetus.

“Emma was very impressive with her performance in the last week, so at some point you want to see and hear how she is responding during camp, and in the three sessions we have had we decided she should play.”

The warning signs given to Australia were not dealt with, as early in the second half Docherty’s looping shot dipped just over Arnold’s glove to clip the post as it went in.

The Matildas fell behind without registering a shot on target, but after Docherty’s goal, Australia delivered their best spell of the game.

Cortnee Vine found space in Scotland’s backline to unleash a shot that came off the crossbar, and Lee Gibson would quickly be tested for the first time in the match.

Above: Scotland goalkeeper Lee Gibson makes a save today. Photo: Hannah Parnell for Impetus.

Carpenter played through Hayley Raso, who after a decent touch was quickly smothered by Gibson as she got her shot away.

Australia continued to push, with Clare Hunt arrowing a shot from distance off the crossbar but space opened up in the game for Claire Emslie to find Thomas who prodded wide.

Scotland continued to break when given the opportunity. Caroline Weir, who was managed well throughout the game, carved the opportunity for Kirsty Hanson, to be denied by Arnold’s strong hand.

Scotland managed to keep Australia at bay, but with the World Cup looming Gustavsson will be looking for a response after a first defeat in seven games. Their next opportunity comes on Tuesday night against European champions England.

Teams: AUSTRALIA: Arnold, Polkinghorne, Vine, Fowler, Raso, Gorry, Carpenter, Grant, Cooney-Cross, Crummer, Hunt. Substitutes used: Nevin (for Carpenter 62′), Yallop (for Raso 82′), Chidiac (for Crummer 62′).

SCOTLAND: Gibson, Docherty, Mukandi, Howard, Brown, Kerr, Weir, Hanson, Watson, Emslie, Thomas. Substitutes used: Davidson (for Emslie 66′), Cornet (for Watson 66′), Napier (for Hanson 78′), Hay (for Thomas 87′).

Scorer: Docherty 47′.

Attendance: 2,186.

Hannah Parnell’s EXCLUSIVE photo gallery from Plough Lane today for Impetus

Kelly “captures the moment” as Lionesses roar after shoot-out win

England 1-1 Brazil
England win 4-2 on penalties

by Nathan Edwards at Wembley Stadium for Impetus (7/4/23)

Above: England lift the Finalissima trophy after their penalty shoot-out win over Brazil at Wembley last night. Photo: Lionesses.

Chloe Kelly scored the crucial penalty to win the inaugural Women’s Finalissima after Andressa Alves punished Mary Earps’ mistake to cancel out Ella Toone’s first-half goal.

In the depths of added time, Mary Earps failed to deal with a bobbling cross spilling the ball into Andressa to prod Brazil level.

It set up the penalty shootout after Toone put England ahead, in what was a dominant opening 45 minutes. Lucy Bronze and Georgia Stanway carved open the Brazil defence and set up the Manchester United forward to sweep England ahead.

The England goal scorer would be the first to miss in the shootout, seeing her tame effort thwarted by Leticia.

Earps would replicate her counterpart’s feat by saving the next, and Arsenal defender Rafaelle cannoned her strike off the crossbar, allowing Kelly to secure victory for England.

Brazil offered little throughout the opening period, but with England only holding a slim advantage, the Selecao came out of the second half testing a Lionesses defence who were without Millie Bright.

On multiple occasions, Earps would be called into action, with a combination of herself and the crossbar denying Geyse, and Andressa missing an earlier opportunity to level by hitting her strike straight into Earps.

Above: Chloe Kelly celebrates after converting the winning penalty for England. Photo: Lionesses.

Kelly’s penalty ensured that England remained unbeaten under Sarina Wiegman, a spell that spans 30 games and includes three trophies, the Euros, Arnold Clarke Cup, and Finalissima.

With Australia the only remaining confirmed game for the Lionesses ahead of the World Cup, the Finalissima provided to be a great warmup for Wiegman and her squad, which has changed a lot since their Euros victory.

England’s coach said, “It was a very exciting night in the end, with of course an incredible crowd, and pitch – this environment we’ll never take for granted.

“I think the first half we played really well. We had a lot of possession, created lots of chances, scored an incredible goal, and we hoped to score a little more than one.

“The second half they went back to 4-4-2, put a very high press and then we were struggling, to get out of their press, to keep the ball in possession, so then they became dangerous, and at the end, we conceded a goal, which can happen.

“I think the team did really well by just showing resilience – so that was done, we were moving forward, we had to do a job and take the penalties as good as possible, or stop it as good as possible, and that’s what we did.”

The 11 players named yesterday consisted of only six starters from their Euros victory. Toone arrived in that game as a substitute and went on to open England’s scoring. Eight months on Toone opened the scoring in the Finalissima this time after becoming a crucial player in Sarina Wiegman’s plans.

For Toone and co they were vital players off the bench for the Lionesses, with Wiegman refusing to budge from an 11 that took England to glory.

Above: Ella Toone shows her delight after putting England ahead last night. Photo: Lionesses.

But with injuries and players calling an end to their playing careers, such as Ellen White, it offered spaces for others to grab, which Alessia Russo has done.

A key part of the Lionesses’ success from the bench in last summer’s campaign, who has now stepped into a main role.

The England forward was starved of chances last night, but put in a selfless performance. From forcing Rafaelle to give away an early corner, to displaying strong holdup play to relieve England’s backline when Brazil built themselves back into the game, it was a performance that will please Wiegman.

Although, Russo faces a tough challenge from WSL’s second top goal scorer, Rachel Daly, who came on to produce another tireless performance.

One position that Wiegman refused to tinker with since the summer was her centre-back partnership of Millie Bright and Leah Williamson.

But with the injury to the commanding Bright, an opportunity rose for the multiple centre-backs in the squad. Alex Greenwood, who was another player to get promoted as a starter since the summer, moved centrally, with Jess Carter being handed the task of left back.

During the first half, the switch seemed seamless, with Brazil unable to threaten but as the second half got underway the Selecao were able to carve open chances, especially down their right-hand side.

Including Brazil’s equaliser, where a cross squirmed out of Earps’ hands to set up Andressa’s late equaliser, this was despite Wiegman opting for experience off the bench to try and manage the game.

Above: Sheer joy for England after the penalty shoot-out. Photo: Lionesses.

The experience they went for was, with Euro starter Daly, and Euro winner Kelly to replace Russo and Lauren James, but the squad is packed with young talent that will excite the during the World Cup.

With James being a key decision for Wiegman to make. The squad has three wingers that are all playing important roles at club level, and transferring that to the international stage.

James was a constant danger, dropping deep on occasions and also running in behind, with the offside flag the only reason she didn’t score today.

She swapped flanks with Lauren Hemp throughout the game and offered the same attacking output until her substitution.

As for Hemp, her goals in the WSL have dried up after an impressive season last year, but she has been relied on by her coach during the Euros and in this final, which the 22-year-old has repaid.

The final winger is the match winner, Kelly continues to deliver in the big moments, a crucial trait to have in a player when heading to a knockout tournament.

It might mean that Wiegman sees her as the perfect substitute to bring on and change the dynamic. The England coach said, “She (Kelly) captured that moment and she kept true in the penalty shootout.

“It was a nice moment for the team, but also a very nice moment for her.”

There is little time for England to experiment now, and with a blend of youthfulness and experience within the squad, England will hope to continue their unbeaten run throughout the World Cup.

Teams: ENGLAND (4-3-3): Earps, Bronze, Williamson, Greenwood, Carter, Stanway, Walsh, Toone, James, Russo, Hemp. Substitutes used: Kelly (for James 74′), Daly (for Russo 74′), Robinson (for Hemp 88′).

Scorer: Toone 23′.

BRAZIL (5-3-2): Izidoro Lima da Silva, da Costa Silva, Leal Costa, Sousa Feitoza, Carvalho Souza, Dias de Britto, Alvas Borges, Bertolucci Paixão, Ferraz, Zaneratto João, da Silva Ferreira. Substitutes used: Alves da Silva (for Leal Costa 45′), Leal da Silva (for Zaneratto João 45′), Francelino da Silva (for Bertolucci Paixão 69′), Nunes da Silva (for da Costa Silva 87′), Palermo Licen (for Alves Borges 87′).

Scorer: Alves da Silva 90+3′.

Referee: Stéphanie Frappart (FRA).

Attendance: 83,132.