Women’s Finalissima gives England chance to prep for World Cup as they face Brazil
The Women’s Finalissima between England and Brazil will give the Lionesses a look at what they need to do to prep for the World Cup.
The first Women’s Finalissima between European and South American champions England and Brazil will give the Lionesses a look at what they need to do to prepare for the upcoming World Cup this summer. Just days later, England will play World Cup hosts Australia at the Brentford Community Stadium, which will give them an even better idea on how to prep.
Only three Finalissimas have taken place - the first in 1985 when France beat Uruguay in Paris, then again in 1993 when Argentina beat Denmark, and the most recent in 2022, when Argentina beat Italy. But all of those matches were played by the men’s team. Tonight’s Finalissima between England and Brazil will be the first-ever Women’s Finalissima.
The game will be played at Wembley stadium in England, the stadium where the Lionesses won the European Championship, beating Germany 2-1 in front of a sold-out crowd. Tonight, they’ll have a chance to get another historic victory in front of a crowd of 90,000 people.
England vs Brazil gives opportunity to prep for World Cup
The Women’s World Cup will take place this summer and the Lionesses are taking the opportunity of tonight’s game to learn more about how they can prepare for the tournament.
Everything you need to know about the 2023 Women’s World Cup
“I think this moment, playing of course Brazil, but also playing Australia, gives us a new measure moment,” said England coach Sarina Wiegman. “We expect to be challenged more in defense than we were at the Arnold Clark Cup. So that gives us again more information about our team and about where our players are at this moment to move forward in our preparation for the World Cup.
Brazil made it to this game by beating Colombia 1-0 in the Copa America Femenina to become South America’s champions.
“When you’re a player and you play against a team like Brazil, you appreciate the individual skill and creativity,” said England captain Leah Williamson. “I think that’s hard to play against because you don’t know what’s coming.”