- by Caden Axelrod
- on 26 Oct, 2025
Brazil's women's national football team pulled off a surprise upset, beating the England women's national football team 2‑1 at Manchester’s Etihad Stadium on Saturday, 25 October 2025. The friendly kicked off at 17:30 BST and quickly turned into a showcase of South American firepower.
Brazil struck first in the 9th minute when Bia Zaneratto slotted home a low drive from the edge of the box. Just nine minutes later, Dudinha added a second, tapping in after a swift counter‑attack. England finally got on the scoresheet in the 52nd minute when Georgia Stanway converted a penalty after a handball in the box.
Background: England's Euro Triumph and Brazil's Copa América Victory
Two weeks earlier, England had lifted the UEFA Euro 2025 trophy, beating Spain 2‑1 in a dramatic final at Wembley. It was the first major senior‑level title for the Lionesses since the 2022 Women’s Euro. Across the Atlantic, Brazil had just secured the Copa América Femenina crown, edging Colombia on penalties after a 0‑0 draw in the final. Both squads entered the Manchester friendly on a high, making the result all the more eye‑catching.
For England, the match was billed as a "homecoming tour" – a chance to test their new tactical ideas under manager Sarina Wiegman. Brazil, meanwhile, wanted to prove that their continental dominance could translate against Europe’s best.
Match Narrative: Goals, Red Card and the Final Score
The opening minutes were frantic. Brazil pressed high, and Zaneratto’s early strike came after a brilliant overlap from Ary Borges (who, while not a goal‑scorer, created the opening space). Dudinha’s goal was a textbook finish – a low cross from the right was met with a first‑time volley.
England’s response came after the halftime break. Stanway’s penalty was a result of a clumsy challenge by Brazil’s centre‑back Mariana Alves, which the referee adjudged as a handball. The penalty was calmly dispatched, but the English side still trailed.
Midway through the second half, the drama intensified when Brazil’s captain Marta (not to be confused with the legendary forward) received a straight red card for a dangerous tackle on Millie Bright. The dismissal came in the 58th minute, leaving the South Americans with ten men for the bulk of the game.
Despite the numerical advantage, England struggled to create clear chances. Alessia Russo’s shot was blocked in stoppage time, and Jess Carter’s late header fell inches short. Brazil held on, and the final whistle confirmed a 2‑1 win.
Reactions: Wiegman's Verdict and Player Comments
Post‑match, Wiegman was candid. "I’m unsure why we develop a habit of falling behind early," she told reporters, "but we will learn from this defeat and make the necessary adjustments." The Dutch manager’s honesty was welcomed by many analysts who noted England’s sluggish start as a recurring theme.
Brazilian coach Marta Silva praised her side’s resilience. "Playing with ten men for over 70 minutes is tough, but the girls showed character and kept our lead," she said.
Stanway, reflecting on her penalty, admitted, "We needed to be more clinical earlier. The goal helped, but it wasn’t enough." Zaneratto, after the match, joked, "We came to Manchester to win, and we did, even with one player less. It’s a great confidence boost before the World Cup qualifiers."
Implications for Future Fixtures and Rankings
The result has immediate ramifications for the FIFA Women’s World Rankings. England, despite being the European champions, could slip a spot or two, while Brazil stands to climb higher, solidifying their status as a global powerhouse.
Both coaches now face a decision point. Wiegman is expected to overhaul her attacking setup, possibly giving more minutes to emerging talents like Olivia Merry and Jamie Carter. Brazil, on the other hand, will likely retain the core that delivered the Copa América victory, fine‑tuning defensive structures after the red‑card incident.
- England: 1 win, 1 draw, 1 loss in the last three matches.
- Brazil: 2 wins, 1 draw in the last three internationals.
- Head‑to‑head: Four meetings since 2018 – England leads 2‑1 with one draw.
Historical Context of England–Brazil Encounters
These two sides have met sporadically over the past decade. Brazil’s first visit to England in 2018 ended in a 0‑1 defeat, while a 2‑1 win followed in 2019. The most recent clash, the 2023 Finalissima, saw England prevail on penalties after a 1‑1 draw. This 2025 friendly adds a new chapter: Brazil winning despite being a man down.
Analysts point out that the growing competitiveness between Europe and South America in the women’s game mirrors the men’s game of the early 2000s, when tactical exchanges intensified the sport’s global appeal.
Key Facts
- Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester.
- Date & time: 25 Oct 2025, 17:30 BST.
- Score: Brazil 2 – 1 England.
- Goal scorers: Bia Zaneratto (9'), Dudinha (18'), Georgia Stanway (pen. 52').
- Red card: Brazil captain Marta (58').
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this result affect England’s World Cup qualifying campaign?
The loss means England drops two points in the UEFA qualification group, tightening the race for the top spot. While still comfortably ahead of the nearest challenger, the defeat highlights the need for a more aggressive start in upcoming qualifiers.
Did Brazil’s red card dramatically change the match dynamics?
Even with ten men, Brazil remained compact defensively and relied on quick transitions. England’s inability to convert possession into clear chances suggests that the red card did not cripple Brazil’s game plan, but it did expose England’s lingering issues in breaking down disciplined defenses.
What tactical changes might Sarina Wiegman consider after this defeat?
Wiegman is expected to press for a higher‑pressing approach early in games and to experiment with a two‑striker system that could reduce England’s tendency to fall behind. Giving more minutes to younger forwards such as Olivia Merry could also inject pace and unpredictability.
How does Brazil’s performance compare to its recent form?
Brazil enters the match on a 12‑match unbeaten streak in competitive fixtures, having lost only two of their previous 15 games. Winning against the European champions, even while down to ten players, reinforces their status as a top‑four nation heading into the 2027 World Cup.
When is England’s next major fixture?
England’s next competitive outing is scheduled for a UEFA Euro 2028 qualifying match against Norway on 12 November 2025, giving Wiegman just over two weeks to implement adjustments from the Manchester friendly.