LEAH WILLIAMSON reckons going up against her ‘warrior’ Arsenal team-mate Rafaelle will feel like new territory tonight.
And the Brazil star suggested Williamson must be “half-Brazilian” because of her skills and joked she should take Samba lessons.
GettyArsenal aces Leah Williamson and Rafaelle will be on opposing sides when England face Brazil in the first Women’s Finalissima[/caption]
GettyThe centre-back duo have been in fine form for Arsenal helping their club side to a win against Manchester City before the international break[/caption]
GettyRafaelle captained Brazil when the team won their eighth Copa America Feminina trophy last July[/caption]
The Gunners central defensive duo will be on opposite sides when England face Brazil at Wembley this evening in the first Women’s Finalissima.
Brazil ace Rafaelle, 31 ace said: “I’m not glad to play against Leah because she is so good.
“I feel like she’s half Brazilian because she’s got the skills, she just needs to learn to Samba and she’ll be fine.
“She’s a good player who can play in the back or in the middle. She deserves to be here with this great team.”
Lionesses skipper Williamson, 26, said: “Rafa’s a bit of a warrior, as an athlete she’s head and shoulders above the rest.
“The Brazilian way and what she can do with her feet is impressive also so I’m in awe of her to be honest, most days.”
The sell-out Wembley duel will see the World Cup rivals face each other for the first time since their Euros and Copa America Feminina triumphs last summer.
Tournaments in which Williamson and Rafaelle captained their national sides to trophy-winning glory.
The match comes five days ahead of the Lionesses’ duel with this summer’s World Cup co-hosts Australia who play Scotland at Plough Lane tomorrow.
England boss Sarina Wiegman, 53, said: “We’re getting closer to the World Cup so want to get closer to our team selection, but still there are things that can happen internationally and at club (level)
“This moment playing Brazil and Australia gives us a new opportunity.
“We expect to be challenged more defensively.
“This again will gives us more information about our team and where our players are at in this moment.”
The last Wembley duel between Brazil and the Lionesses was back in October 2019 with the hosts, then managed by Phil Neville, losing 2-1
Seven members of the home side who featured in that game are part of Wiegman’s squad this evening.
Should England win it will see them go 30 games unbeaten under their head coach whose side are yet to lose a game since took charge of the team.
Brazil boss Pia Sundhage, 63, said: “When it comes to this game it’s part of the journey to the World Cup.
“I’m so appreciative and really happy to play against one of the best teams in the world with the best coach in the world.
“All of us will get answers after the game. I’m grateful for the opportunity”
Tonight’s clash comes a day after Lise Klaveness failed in her bid to be elected to Uefa’s Exec Committee after receiving just 18 out of 55 potential votes.
The Norway football chief was the first woman to go up against male candidates for a place in the group with seven spots available.
But Debbie Hewitt became the first female FA chair to be voted onto Fifa’s council as British vice-president.
Reflecting on this Wiegman said: “Of course we want more women in the game. We want more women in every position.
“We hope that’s going to change and lots of changes are on the way.
GettyA win for England will see them go 30 games unbeaten under Sarina Wiegman with the team yet to lose a game under their head coach[/caption]
“It’s really good news that Debbie Hewitt is chosen as a vice-president of Fifa. That’s a really good thing.
“Let’s try to make it a better place for women in football and keep moving forward.”
Sundhage added: “We’ve been fighting all our lives, so let’s just continue to do that because we love this game, football.”