Sarina Wegman won the award again. The 53-year-old from The Hague won the final with English footballers at a crowded Wembley, winning the European title in July last year. Brazil, the South American champions, lost on penalties tonight.
Manchester United’s 23-year-old attacking midfielder, Ella Ton, scored the opening goal at Wembley Stadium midway through the first half. Toone scored after a nice attack through captain Lea Williamson, Lauren James and Lucy Bronze.
With a penalty of 10-7, the match was reasonably even, despite England having 75 percent of the ball. 83,132 spectators witnessed England dominate in the first half, but after the break there weren’t many chances left. England looked to be winning 1-0, but after a moderate tackle from goalkeeper Marie Erbis, Brazil equalized 1-1 in the 93rd minute through substitute Andressa Alves.
England still won the award, winning on penalties 4-2. After defeats from Ella Ton, Rafael Sousa and Tamiris, Chloe Kelly scored the decisive penalty. Kelly also scored the winning goal in extra time against Germany in the European Championship final at Wembley last year.
Favorite for a world title
This was the first edition of the final for women, after Argentina won the first edition for men on June 1 of last year by defeating European champions Italy 3-0. Lionel Messi and his team mates were prelude to the world title after six months in Qatar.
England will be hoping to become women’s world champions for the first time at the World Cup finals in Australia and New Zealand next summer, where Wegman’s side will certainly emerge as one of the starting favourites. England will meet Haiti, Denmark and China in the group stage. Next Tuesday, England will play Australia in a friendly match at Brentford.
Wegman remains undefeated for England after thirty caps: 26 wins and four draws. The goal difference of 138-10 is impressive.
Wiegmann won the European title in her own country with England last year, repeating her trick with the Orange Lioness in summer 2017. Wiegmann has also won the Arnold Clark Cup twice with England, a friendly tournament with three matches per week. Recently, Wiegman was also voted FIFA Football Coach of the Year for the third time.
After two awards in the Netherlands (bondsridder in 2012 and knight of the Order of Oranje Nassau in 2017), Wiegman was awarded BBC Sports Personality of the Year Coach in England in December.
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