MANCHESTER, England :England’s women lost 2-1 to Brazil in their first match since their European Championship victory in a friendly on Saturday, with Bia Zanaratto and Dudinha scoring for the South American team who were reduced to 10 players in the first half.
Brazil, who successfully defended their Women’s Copa America crown in August, were impressive from the opening whistle and Zanaratto scored in the ninth minute when she flicked the ball past Jess Carter before tucking the ball into the bottom corner.
Dudinha capitalised on an England defensive blunder in the 18th minute when Ella Toone’s turnover allowed the visitors to attack three-on-two, and Dudinha slotted the ball in off the near post at Etihad Stadium.
Brazil were down to 10 players in the 21st minute when Toone was one-on-one with Brazil’s keeper and Angelina clipped her from behind.
England grew into the game and Georgia Stanway pulled one back from the penalty spot in the 52nd minute, awarded after a tackle on Beth Mead, and slotted a firm shot into the corner.
“What was missing, I think, is the final part,” said England manager Sarina Wiegman. “Of course, they were tough in defending. They have some very physical players. We were sometimes a bit unlucky, but also sometimes in decision-making, we could do better.
“I think the learning we take from this is get the final third, how can we create even more and get the final details right in execution and decision making.”
England host Australia in Derby in the second game of their “Homecoming Series” on Tuesday.
