Corinthians Feminino really tried. Brabas fought hard. They did justice to the story. But Arsenal’s greater quality and investment ended up taking its toll. The English won 3-2 in extra time and won the Champions Cup, the first world title in the sport organized by FIFA.
The decision took place this Sunday afternoon (February 1) at the Emirates Stadium, in London.
The score was opened by the Europeans. After 14 minutes, after the Corinthians defense failed, Lelê saved Russo’s shot. But Smith, on the rebound, sent it into the net.
The English advantage was short-lived. At 20, Andressa Alves took a corner, and Gabi Zanotti headed the ball into the goal. Arsenal’s goalkeeper saved, but the ball crossed the line before Belén Aquino even completed it. After several chances from side to side, the first half ended with the score equal: 1 x 1.
REUTERS/Ian Walton – Reproduction prohibited
In the final stage of regulation time, the scenario of Arsenal’s greater possession of the ball and more chances for the English team to score did not change. In the 12th minute, Wubben-Moy headed the ball into the net and put the European team ahead once again: 2-1.
Maintaining the tradition of a lot of fight and a lot of overcoming, Brabas do Timão resisted the opposing pressure and got a penalty in stoppage time after a VAR review. Vic Albuquerque took the shot and equalized in the 50th minute: 2 x 2.
In extra time, the final decision. After Duda Sampaio lost a ball in midfield, Foord took advantage of a quick counterattack and shot to define the score: 3-2.
In addition to the cup, Arsenal won 2.3 million dollars (around R$11.9 million at current prices). Corinthians kept 1 million dollars (around R$5.2 million). Values that represent a record for the sport.
