Shootout experience vital for England before World Cup, says Wiegman
The Guardian says Sarina Wiegman said that experiencing a tense penalty shootout four months before the World Cup was vital experience for her side, after England secured victory over Brazil in the Finalissima at Wembley.
“The team did really well, showing resilience,” the manager said. “I am happy, it is good that we have this information. Experience [helps] you recognise situations – how you feel with that walk to the penalty spot with 83,000 people screaming. It really helps, and shows again that we can do it.”
England were forced to work hard for victory at Wembley, with Andressa Alves cancelling out Ella Toone’s strike in injury time to force penalties.
“In the first half we played really well,” said Wiegman. “They played a little differently. We had a lot of possession, created chances and scored an incredible goal. We had hoped to score more than one. They went back to 4-4-2 and then we struggled. You saw two different halves. Then they became dangerous, we got out of the press sometimes and were offside which didn’t help.”
