England rise, France gamble and Ireland search for stability in the wide-open title race which begins on Thursday, writes FOSTER NIUMATA
ARSENAL were crowned the inaugural Women’s Champions Cup winners on Sunday night after substitute Caitlin Foord scored to inspire the Gunners to a 3-2 extra-time victory over Brazilian side Corinthians.
The new Fifa club competition’s final was played out under drenched conditions at Ashburton Grove, where the north Londoners also secured $2.3 million (£1.67million) in prize money.
Corinthians captain Gabi Zanotti cancelled out Olivia Smith’s 15th-minute opener in the first half before Lotte Wubben-Moy nodded Arsenal back in front after the break.
Arsenal were moments from victory but conceded a stoppage-time penalty — scored by Vic Albuquerque — before battling back under the downpour in the first period of extra time.
Celebrations were subdued, however, after Arsenal goalkeeper Anneke Borbe went down in a collision late in the second period of extra time and was removed from the pitch on a stretcher, after a lengthy pause to receive treatment on the pitch.
“Out of precaution she’s going to the hospital to get checked, and hopefully we will know soon,” said Slegers after the match.
“Her mum was here to support and I spoke to her mum briefly.
“Anneke has been so good for us, she’s been fantastic, and it’s unfortunate for her, the situation, and we all hope that she’s going to be alright.”
Corinthians keeper Leticia was able to keep out a sharp effort from Stina Blackstenius, but could do little to stop Smith’s opener after the rebound fell in the path of the Canada international, who nestled it home.
The visitors equalised from a corner nodded home in the 21st minute by Zanotti, whose header bounced off Kim Little, leading to a goalmouth scramble before referee Katia Garcia made clear the ball had crossed the line.
Arsenal were back in front after Wubben-Moy rose to meet Emily Fox’s cross, whipping it past Leticia in the 58th minute.
Just as it appeared the trophy presentation would be imminent, Katie McCabe conceded a penalty — confirmed by VAR — for her challenge from behind and through the legs of Gisela Robledo.
Up stepped Albuquerque, who fired down the middle past a diving Borbe to force extra time.
There were chances for both sides early on but it was Arsenal who finally made one count on a counter-attack initiated by Maanum, who drove through midfield before feeding Foord, who fooled Leticia and snuck the winner past her near post.



