Debinha Brace Sees Brazil Past England in Women's Soccer Friendly
Oct 5, 2019
MIDDLESBROUGH, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 05: Lucy Bronze of England vies with Martha of Brazil during the International friendly match between England and Brazil at Riverside Stadium on October 05, 2019 in Middlesbrough, England. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Brazil earned an impressive friendly win over England on Saturday, running out 2-1 victors at the Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough.
The first half saw the hosts control long spells of the game and create the better chances, but manager Phil Neville's players were profligate with their opportunities.
The second period saw the Selecao improve, and Debinha was twice able to capitalise on poor defending to give Brazil a two-goal lead.
Bethany England gave the home side hope of snatching a draw when she guided a header home with 10 minutes remaining, but they'd left themselves too much to do in the final stages.
Following the FIFA World Cup, both countries are starting their preparations for the Olympics next summer in Tokyo, where they will each be expected to challenge for medals.
Following England's run to the semi-finals of the World Cup in France, Rob Harris of the Press Association picked up on the amount of interest in the women's game in the country:
Latest significant step for England’s Women’s World Cup legacy with 30k+ sell-out for Brazil friendly today, on a day of PL & EFL. 77k sold for Germany friendly at Wembley next month. Follows 25k at West Ham-Spurs last week. Across WSL, challenge is for regular crowds in 1,000s
Before the break, Nobbs' pinpoint cross was just out of the reach of Mead, meaning Brazil clung on to parity at half time.
In the second half, England were made to pay for their wastefulness, as the South Americans emerged from the dressing room with much more intent.
Within four minutes of the restart, the visitors were in front. After some tricky wing play from Tamires and a pinpoint cross, Debinha escaped the attentions of the England defence.
Her header lacked venom, although it somehow squirmed through the grip of Mary Earps:
The goal sapped the energy out of the England players and the capacity crowd, allowing Brazil to finally get a grip on the game.
On 67 minutes, they gave the home side a mountain to climb. Neville will be disappointed with the defending, but Debinha was again the quickest to react in the penalty area, and her effort deflected off Steph Houghton and beyond Earps:
Debinha gets her second. A long way back for England from here.
Kieran Theivam of The Athletic commented on how the Brazil forward has stepped up a level since the World Cup:
Debinha has been phenomenal this season for @TheNCCourage and she's showing her form for her country as she grabs her second to put Brazil 2-0 up. Not great defending again from England.
— Kieran Theivamanoharan 🏴 🇱🇰 (@KiersTheivam) October 5, 2019
With time running out, the Lionesses did start to play more direct, and they gave their supporters some hope of a fightback late on when England headed home from Houghton's long ball.
The home side pushed for an equaliser with the clock ticking down. The closest they came was through Lucy Staniforth, who saw her effort clawed away by Brazil goalkeeper Barbara in the final minute.
What's Next?
England are back in action on Tuesday when they visit Portugal. Brazil will continue their European doubleheader in Poland on the same night.
England vs. Brazil Women's Soccer: Date, Time, Live Stream for 2019 Friendly
Oct 5, 2019
ROTHERHAM, UNITED KINGDOM - NOVEMBER 11: Jordan Nobbs of England Women during the International Friendly Women match between England v Sweden at the Aesseal New York Stadium on November 11, 2018 in Rotherham United Kingdom (Photo by Angelo Blankespoor/Soccrates /Getty Images)
England welcome Brazil to Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium for an international friendly on Saturday.
Arsenal star Jordan Nobbs returns to the Lionesses fold after a serious knee injury forced her to miss the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup.
England made it to the semi-finals in France, losing to the United States. Brazil, meanwhile, were beaten by the hosts in the last 16.
LE HAVRE, FRANCE - JUNE 23: (L-R) Brazil Squad poses for photos with Goalkeeper Barbara Barbosa, Cristiane Silva, Kathellen Sousa, Monica Alves, Miraildes Mota, Formiga, Ludmila Silva, Thaisa Moreno, Debora de Oliveira, Debinha, Leticia Santos, Marta Silv
England face a stiff test against the South American champions, with both nations focusing on their post-World Cup ambitions.
Brazil arrive after triumphing at the International Women's Football Tournament, winning the invitational competition for a seventh time after beating Chile on penalties after a goalless draw in the final.
Phil Neville's team came close to making the World Cup final, but the English have gone four games without a win in all competitions.
The semi-final defeat to the U.S. in France was followed by a 2-1 loss to Sweden in the third-place play-off. Two international friendlies since have not fallen England's way, with a 3-3 draw against Belgium followed by a 2-1 loss to Norway.
BOREHAMWOOD, ENGLAND - AUGUST 14: Phil Neville, Head Coach of England Women is seen during the Pre Season Friendly match between Arsenal and Barcelona at Meadow Park on August 14, 2019 in Borehamwood, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
Neville will want to see more from his squad after an exciting summer, and the manager said he's pleased his team will be tested by one of football's greatest nations, per the FA's official website:
"It is great to be able to have secured this fixture against such opposition. I know a lot of work has gone into making it happen.
"Brazil will provide a different test to the other games we have lined up over the coming months, and it is always a special occasion when our two countries meet.
"I am also delighted that we will be playing in the north-east, a real footballing hot-bed that has produced so many of our players over the years."
BURTON-UPON-TRENT, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 02: Jordan Nobbs of England talks to the press during the England Women's Senior Team Media Day at St Georges Park on October 02, 2019 in Burton-upon-Trent, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)
The Selecao last met the Lionesses in March at the SheBelieves Cup, and England defeated Brazil 2-1 on their way to winning the competition.
Nobbs' return will be a highlight for England fans, and the County Durham-born player will want to impress if she features. The 26-year-old has recovered from anterior cruciate ligament damage and should be one of her country's most important players in the buildup to the 2021 UEFA Women's Championship.
England face Portugal in a friendly on Tuesday, and Neville will demand a victory and strong performance at the Riverside on Saturday to avoid going into that game winless in five.
Nikita Parris Says England 'Don't Fear America' Ahead of World Cup Semi-Final
Jul 2, 2019
LE HAVRE, FRANCE - JUNE 27: Nikita Parris of England prepares for kicks a penalty during the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France Quarter Final match between Norway and England at on June 27, 2019 in Le Havre, France. (Photo by Marcio Machado/Getty Images)
Nikita Parris has said nobody in the England side "fears America" ahead of their 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup semi-final against the United States on Tuesday at Lyon's Groupama Stadium.
The U.S. are defending champions and the most successful side in Women's World Cup history with three titles to their name, while England have never made a final.
Parris, though, pointed out that the Lionesses recently beat the U.S. to the 2019 SheBelieves Cup when explaining why England have nothing to fear against the world's No. 1 ranked side, per the Daily Mail's Ian Herbert:
"Why shouldn't we think we can't be badder than them when we went to the SheBelieves and we won it and we went toe to toe with them? You know, we beat America in the past. We beat them 1-0 [in 2017]. Why shouldn't we think we can beat them? Why do we have to come to this tournament semi-final and think, 'Oh it's America?' Nobody fears America. I don't fear America and I don't think my team-mates do."
The Liverpool-born forward also brushed off the relevance of the Stars and Stripes' 13-0 group-stage annihilation of Thailand:
"No disrespect to Thailand, but 13-0 is against Thailand. Come on ... I don't want to disrespect any other team, but Thailand. ... Yes they did show the ruthless part of them at times, don't get me wrong. But we're not Thailand."
The U.S. were criticised by some for the ruthlessness of their approach against Thailand, the No. 34 ranked team in the world, and the fact they continued to celebrate every goal:
Many would interpret the team's attitude as confidence bred from previous success, and they have the advantage on Tuesday of having won numerous semi-finals in the past.
England, meanwhile, lost 2-1 to Japan in the last four of the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup, and were then downed 3-0 by Netherlands at the same stage of UEFA Women's Euro 2017.
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In Parris, Lucy Bronze, Ellen White, Jill Scott and captain Steph Houghton, England boast a host of impressive players, and they have the ability to beat the U.S.
But on the World Cup stage, they would be surprise winners of Tuesday's semi-final as the United States are the favourites to win the entire tournament.
For England manager Phil Neville, though, only a victory and a spot in a first-ever Women's World Cup final will be acceptable, per Herbert:
"We're at that moment now where it's so close and we've spoken long and hard about this. I want my players to realise that we are so close and we have to deliver. We have to. There is no upside to defeat. Losing in a semi-final would mean nothing to me. Every single meeting, every single training session, every five-a-side we've had, we've spoken about winning. Winning is the most important thing. It's about winning—that's the mentality we've brought in."
England Advance to Women's World Cup Quarter-Finals After Win vs. Cameroon
Jun 23, 2019
VALENCIENNES, FRANCE - JUNE 23: (C) Ellen White of England celebrates her first goal during the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France Round Of 16 match between England and Cameroon at Stade du Hainaut on June 23, 2019 in Valenciennes, France. (Photo by Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images)
England reached the quarter-finals of the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup after beating Cameroon 3-0 on Sunday. Goals from Steph Houghton, Ellen White and Alex Greenwood proved enough for the Lionesses in Valenciennes, France.
The game was littered with controversial decisions and VAR use. White's goal was only given after review, while Cameroon had one ruled out after a close offside cancelled Ajara Nchout's finish in the second half.
Nchout was one of several Cameroon players who led intense and prolonged protests about the game's key decisions. The match ended with substitute Alexandra Takounda narrowly escaping a red card after a reckless challenge on Houghton off the ball deep into injury time.
England coach Phil Neville was far from impressed by what he saw from Cameroon:
Phil Neville: "It wasn't football for me, in terms of their behavior. Those images are going out worldwide and for me it's not right. There's a certain standard of behavior you have to adhere to. We know the rules... deal with it." pic.twitter.com/JgkqMrqU4G
Controversy started as early as the 14th minute when Annette Ngo Ndom was adjudged to have picked up a backpass from Augustine Ejangue. It meant an in-direct free-kick inside the box, one Houghton converted superbly with a curled effort around the wall and into the bottom corner.
You don't see this very often!
All 11 players on the line - but England still found a way through. ⚽️
Cameroon were incensed by the awarding of the free-kick and the mood hardly improved when White's goal deep into first-half stoppage time was given. White finished well after being played in by a neat slide-rule pass from Luzy Bronze, but the scorer was initially flagged offside.
VAR was consulted and the goal was given. It was the correct decision considering White was clearly level with her markers when the pass was played.
Even so, Cameroon's players simply couldn't accept the decision:
This is remarkable.#ENG took a 2-0 lead, the goal was initially ruled out for offside but that decision was overturned on VAR.
The #CMR players did not like that decision - and they made their feelings VERY clear.
In particular, key forward Nchout could hardly be calmed or consoled by her teammates. It left coach Alain Djeufma anxiously trying to keep his players' minds focused on the game.
Djeufma's task became harder still when Nchout thought she had reduced the deficit a minute after the restart. However, the goal was ruled out for offside after more work for VAR, although the decision was a tight one to say the least.
These events prompted even more animated protests from Cameroon, with Djeufma struggling to get through to Nchout.
Cameroon's misery was compounded when Greenwood made it 3-0 after finishing off a smart set-piece routine.
Despite a commanding lead, there were some warning signs for England. The defence looked vulnerable to a long ball over the top and direct pace running in behind.
Takounda went close, while Michaela Abam also caused a few problems with her timing and movement before things threatened to get nasty after Houghton was felled on the touchline.
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Neville needs his players to eradicate defensive lapses before the last eight. Overall, though, he'll be pleased at how ruthlessly efficient the Lionesses have become in the final third.
What's Next?
England will meet Norway on Thursday in Le Havre.
Ellen White Leads England Past Japan, Lionesses Win Group D at Women's World Cup
Jun 19, 2019
England head coach Philip Neville, right, applaudes as England's scorer Ellen White, left, and her teammates celebrate the opening goal during the Women's World Cup Group D soccer match between Japan and England at the Stade de Nice in Nice, France, Wednesday, June 19, 2019. (AP Photo/Claude Paris)
England beat Japan 2-0 at the 2019 Women's World Cup on Wednesday to secure the top spot in Group D and set up a date with one of the third-placed finishers in the Round of 16. Ellen White scored both of the goals.
The two top sides in Group D served up an entertaining affair, with the opening goal coming after 14 minutes. The better chances fell to the Lionesses, who could have added a second goal before half-time but finally did with six minutes left to play.
England were already assured a spot in the next round after winning their first two matches, while Japan had four points after a win over Scotland and draw with Argentina.
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The Scots drew with Argentina on Wednesday, assuring Japan's spot in the next round.
The match got off to a fast start, with England controlling possession and Japan putting together a few chances. Kumi Yokoyama was the main source of danger, testing goalkeeper Karen Bardsley with a great strike and even better free-kick.
Georgia Stanway fired England's first shot on goal wide before White opened the scoring after 14 minutes. Stanway played her in, and the forward only had goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita to beat.
She has a habit of scoring against Japan on the big stage:
Yamashita had a busy opening half, and both Stanway and Jill Scott put her to work with good strikes. At the other end of the pitch, Bardsley spilled a cross from Yokoyama, but she was able to gather the ball again before any Japanese player could fire it home.
Rachel Daly went close to scoring a second goal for the Lionesses after using her speed and strength to chase down a ball over the top, but Yamashita's reaction was just as impressive.
The half ended with Japan on top but England doing a fine job of limiting shots on goal. That pattern reversed early in the second half, however, with the Lionesses pushing for a second goal.
Yamashita continued her heroics with a great save on Toni Duggan, who blasted a volley on target after a cross from Lucy Bronze. White only just missed out on the rebound.
While the action was fierce after the half-time break, chances were relatively few. Stephanie Houghton's great tackle denied Yuika Sugasawa a scoring opportunity, but overall, the English defence didn't have a lot of work to do.
Substitute Sugasawa did provide a spark, and she nearly flicked a cross into the net, but instead, the goal fell at the other end of the pitch. Karen Carney slipped a fine pass into White, who slid home the ball to secure the win.
England have never opened a Women's World Cup by winning all 3 group stage games. England men haven't done it since 1982
This will be a rematch of the 2015 World Cup semi-final, which Japan won 2-1. The 2011 world champions would then go on to finish as runners-up to the United States.
Lionesses star Lucy Bronze said England have come a long way since then, though, per the Guardian's Suzy Wrack:
"We remember all the painful games. You remember all the big games that you've lost but that memory has long been put behind us. We've played Japan since then, beat them, and beat them well. We move on.
"Now we are more prepared. We have been to semi-finals. Back then it was so new to us—even getting to that semi-final was huge."
In March, England eased to a 3-0 win over Japan to win the SheBelieves Cup.
Journalist Emma Sanders expects the Lionesses to do so again on Wednesday after watching Japan's 0-0 draw with Argentina in their opening match:
Japan have looked poor. Very technical, but no bite. England *should* (though they need to improve on yesterday’s SH performance!) beat them in their group match. Can’t see many problems. Argentina more solid than expected. #FIFAWWC
Japan threatened more when they beat Scotland 2-1 in their next game, but they were fortunate at both ends of the pitch when it came to refereeing decisions.
The Scots arguably should have had two penalties, but the video assistant referee was not consulted for either incident, while Japan were awarded a spot-kick Yuika Sugasawa went down despite there being minimal contact from Rachel Corsie.
The win over Scotland was also only Japan's second victory in eight matches in 2019.
Former England defender Lindsay Johnson thinks England should win:
'Japan are getting stronger but England have enough firepower upfront'
The Lionesses, who beat Scotland 2-1 before securing a 1-0 win over Argentina, have not been overly convincing when it comes to breaking down a defence after dominating both games.
Though Japan are a stronger opponent, that should make for a more open game and one that perhaps suits England more—they should be able to get the draw they need.
Jodie Taylor's Goal Lifts England Past Argentina at 2019 Women's World Cup
Jun 14, 2019
LE HAVRE, FRANCE - JUNE 14: Jodie Taylor of England celebrates scoring the opening goal during the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France group D match between England and Argentina at on June 14, 2019 in Le Havre, France. (Photo by Craig Mercer/MB Media/Getty Images)
England defeated Argentina 1-0 at the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup in Le Havre, France, on Friday.
The Lionesses had the perfect opportunity to open the scoring through Nikita Parris' penalty after 27 minutes, but Argentina goalkeeper Vanina Correa saved her shot onto the post.
England had to wait until the second half to break the deadlock. Jodie Taylor was assured as she slotted home after 61 minutes for the only goal of the game.
England dominated the opening stages but failed to put Correa under sustained pressure.
Phil Neville's team had a chance to break the deadlock in the first half when Manchester United captain Alex Greenwood was fouled by Ruth Bravo in the penalty area.
The referee took an extended period to organise the spot-kick, leaving taker Parris waiting to fire her shot. When it finally came, Correa saved her effort.
Sky Sports Football shared the moment:
What a save! 🧤
Correa makes a sprawling save to her left to turn Parris' penalty onto the post!
England continued to be the better side, attacking at will and with consistency, but Argentina's toughness was clearly abundant.
Former United States international Yael Averbuch West tipped her hat to the underdog's tactics:
Looks like Argentina did their homework and is VERY tight on England’s right side (Bronze and Parris)... also going in hard on them to make a statement
Correa was once again at the centre of the action after the restart, denying Parris once more with a superb point-blank save.
England were finally rewarded for their play on 61 minutes as Beth Mead found the perfect cross for Taylor to tap home.
Jill Scott should have doubled the lead with 18 minutes remaining, but the Manchester City star's header landed on the roof of the net.
Argentina had their first shot on target after 75 minutes, but the English were relentless in their focus and desire to win.
Fran Kirby and Parris both remained busy and dangerous throughout, driving England forward, and the Lionesses booked their spot in the next round with their second victory in Group D.
What's Next
Both nations are back in Group D action Wednesday. England will play Japan, and Argentina face Scotland.
England Beat Scotland 2-1 in 2019 Women's World Cup Opener
Jun 9, 2019
England's forward Ellen White (C) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the France 2019 Women's World Cup Group D football match between England and Scotland, on June 9, 2019, at the Nice Stadium in Nice, southeastern France. (Photo by CHRISTOPHE SIMON / AFP) (Photo credit should read CHRISTOPHE SIMON/AFP/Getty Images)
England got their 2019 Women's World Cup off on the right foot, bagging a 2-1 win over rivals Scotland in their Group D opener.
Nikita Parris got the opener from the penalty spot after 14 minutes, and Ellen White doubled the lead before half-time. Scotland improved in the second half, and Claire Emslie pulled a goal back after 79 minutes to set up a nervy finale. There would be no comeback, however.
The Lionesses and Scotland will face Argentina and Japan in Group D.
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England started with plenty of possession, while Scotland tried to counter with a press that left a lot of gaps in between their lines. It led to quite a few openings for the Lionesses early, but England lacked a little sharpness in the attacking third.
The VAR gifted them a golden opportunity after 14 minutes, however, as the new handball rule reared its ugly head yet again this tournament.
A cross from close range made contact with Nicola Docherty's arm, and while there was nothing the defender could do about it and England never appealed for a penalty, the ball still went on the spot. The decision was similar to penalties awarded to Brazil and Spain earlier this tournament.
Parris made no mistake, giving the Lionesses the lead.
The Scots didn't alter their plans after the early setback, and more chances arrived for England. White and Fran Kirby both had good looks on goal, with the latter only just missing the target.
Goalkeeper Lee Alexander made a strong intervention to deny White, and the forward continued to cause trouble, having a goal ruled out for offside.
England's dominance was evidenced by the possession stats:
Posession stats currently reading England 73%-27% Scotland... #ENGSCO
She got her deserved goal five minutes before half-time, beating Alexander with a superb drive. Her contribution to this rivalry match was inevitable:
3 - Ellen White has scored a goal in each of her last three international appearances for England against Scotland. Foe. #FIFAWWCpic.twitter.com/7lLaQhbCTu
A shoulder injury for Millie Bright gave the Scots the advantage in numbers early in the second half, but they could create little danger from it.
Emslie put goalkeeper Karen Bardsley to work with a weak shot, and she also had to intervene on a dangerous cross into Erin Cuthbert, who proved a handful for the English defence.
Rachel Corsie had a shot blocked, as Scotland increased the pressure as the second half wore on. The Lionesses were comfortable just sitting back, but a poor giveaway from Steph Houghton gave Emslie the chance to pull one back after 79 minutes, setting up a tense finale.
BBC 5 Live's Pat Nevin thought they deserved that goal:
But England regained their focus and saw out the match with maturity, giving away few looks in the final minutes.
What's Next?
Both teams will be in action again Friday when Scotland take on Japan and England face Argentina.
Women's World Cup Schedule 2019: Live Stream and Times for Sunday Group Fixtures
Jun 9, 2019
The 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup continues on Sunday in France, with England set to face Scotland in Group D in the day's most anticipated clash.
Group C also begins, as Australia take on Italy and Brazil play Jamaica.
The English start the tournament as one of the favourites after winning the 2019 SheBelieves Cup. However, the Scots will be motivated to cause a shock against their British rivals on their World Cup debut.
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Sunday's TV Schedule and Predictions
Australia vs. Italy, 7 a.m. (ET)/ 12 p.m. (BST), Fox (U.S.)/BBC Red Button (UK)—2-1
Brazil vs. Jamaica, 9:30 a.m. (ET)/2:30 p.m. (BST), Fox (U.S.)/BBC Red Button (UK)—3-0
England vs. Scotland, 12 p.m. (ET)/5 p.m. (BST), Fox (U.S.)/BBC One (UK)—1-1
The UK will be at a standstill when England and Scotland cross swords.
The natural enemies have provided many sporting showcases throughout history, and the pair are set to square off on the biggest stage in women's football for the first time.
Scotland's squad is packed with rising stars desperate to make a name for themselves.
Ideally, England would have liked to have avoided Scotland in their opener, but Phil Neville's team will attempt to stamp their authority on their opponents at the Allianz Riviera in Nice.
England provided footage of their training ahead of the match:
The English have formidable strength and depth, and in Lucy Bronze, they have one of the best players in the world.
However, Caroline Weir is one of Manchester City's most consistent performers and will provide quality for the Scots.
The action in Group C kicks off when Australia play Italy in the first match of the day.
Italy are featuring in their first women's World Cup since 1999 and face a stiff test against the Matildas, who are ranked No. 6 in the world.
Jamaica are set to make their debut in the tournament finals when they battle Brazil.
Despite their standing in the men's game, the Brazilians are not one of the favourites in France. They are ranked No. 10 in the world and could struggle to emerge from the group stage.
