Copa América champions Brazil stun England in Euro homecoming | OneFootball

Despite a dominant performance from England, two early goals from Brazil saw them take the win at the Etihad Stadium in their latest international friendly.

Brazil’s win came courtesy of first half goals from NWSL duo Bia Zaneratto and Dudinha, who represent the Kansas City Current and San Diego Wave respectively.

The last time the sides met marked a cagey encounter in the inaugural women’s Finalissima. Finishing 1-1 at full-time, the match went to penalties, where Mary Earps’ heroics and another clutch moment from Chloe Kelly saw the Lionesses win the title.

Starting XIs

England

Keating; Le Tissier, Carter, Morgan, Greenwood, Walsh, Stanway, Toone, Mead, Russo, Kelly.

Brazil

Leite; Tarciane, Isa Haas, Mariza, Angelina, Duda Sampaio, Luany, Yasmin, Ludmila, Dudinha, Bia Zaneratto.

Early dominance for Brazil

The Copa América champions stunned the hosts when they took an early lead after just nine minutes on the clock. Zaneratto found herself in acres of space behind the England backline, where she calmly slotted home.

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Despite England having their first shot on target, a swift counter-attack saw Brazil double their lead. Zaneratto continued to disrupt England’s backline as she set up Dudinha. Her outside of the boot effort bounced cruelly off Keating’s near post and into the back of the net. A very strong start from the Copa América champions.

Momentum shifted in the 21st minute. Through on goal, Ella Toone was pulled back by Brazil captain Angelina, who received a red card for her challenge. The Lionesses almost capitalised immediately as Alex Greenwood’s free-kick blasted off the crossbar, but Jess Carter was unable to head home the rebound.

England get one back in second half

Rewarded for their early pressure, England won a penalty minutes into the second half. Beth Mead was taken out from behind by the heavily involved Zaneratto. Georgia Stanway stepped up and coolly slotted her penalty into the bottom corner.

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Chances continued to fall for the Lionesses with one of the best coming in the 69th minute. Following a free kick, Alessia Russo found herself unmarked at the back post, but the Gunner was unable to find the target.

With only ten minutes remaining, England came close once again. Stanway’s thunderous long-range effort hit the crossbar — the second time for the home side. Brazil showed their composure as they limited England’s access to the ball for the remaining minutes, ensuring they took home the victory.

Up next

As part of their ‘Homecoming Series’, England will be back in action on Tuesday as they face Australia at Pride Park. The Matildas will be hoping to avenge their home semi-final World Cup defeat by the Lionesses.

The European champions will then have two further friendlies in the upcoming international break. They will face China at Wembley, followed by Ghana at St Mary’s.

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