Sarina Wiegman’s side march on
England have progressed to the semi-finals of Euro 2022 after defeating Spain in extra-time at Brighton’s Amex Stadium on Wednesday night.
The Lionesses – who have reached their fourth successive semi-final at major tournament – fell behind against Jorge Vilda’s side, but responded well to win the game 2-1 in extra-time.
Esther González opened the scoring for Spain in the 54th minute, before England substitute Ella Toone levelled proceedings towards the end of normal time.
Georgia Stanway’s sensational strike put Sarina Wiegman’s side in front in the first half of extra-time, with the Lionesses able to hold onto their lead and see the remainder of the game out.
Georgia Stanway's spectacular extra-time strike sends England into the semi-finals #EURO2022 pic.twitter.com/07gakRJlGQ
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) July 20, 2022
It was a relatively quiet first-half, with neither side able to create any clear-cut opportunities. Spain edged possession, but England looked solid in defence.
England did have the ball in the back of the net after Ellen White smashed home from close range following a free kick, but the flag quickly went up for offside. A VAR check showed that Lucy Bronze was offside, although she did not appear to touch the ball. However, the decision was upheld.
It was Spain who broke the deadlock through González, who turned well and calmly finished into the bottom corner after some good work from Aitana Bonmatí and Marta Cardona. It was the first goal England had conceded at the 2022 Women’s Euros.
"SPAIN LEAD!"
🖥💻📱 Live @BBCOne, @BBCiPlayer, @BBCSounds and the @BBCSport app.#WEURO2022 #Euro2022 #BBCEuros #BBCFootball #Lionesses
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 20, 2022
Sarina Wiegman’s side thought they should’ve had a penalty soon after going a goal down. Lauren Hemp went down in the box after a tangle with Ona Batlle, who appeared to have caught the England player with a dangled boot.
"She's given it the other way!"
Should England have been awarded a penalty? 🤔
🖥💻📱 Live @BBCOne, @BBCiPlayer, @BBCSounds and the @BBCSport app.#WEURO2022 #Euro2022 #BBCEuros #BBCFootball #Lionesses
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 20, 2022
Instead, the referee gave a a free-kick to Spain – with VAR checking the decision, and sticking with the original call.
The Lionesses levelled the scoreline in the 84th minute through substitute Toone. The Manchester United forward combined well with club teammate Alessia Russo, who headed Lauren Hemp’s right-wing cross down for Toone to volley home from close range.
"Ella Toone with a massive goal!"
🖥💻📱 Live @BBCOne, @BBCiPlayer, @BBCSounds and the @BBCSport app.#WEURO2022 #Euro2022 #BBCEuros #BBCFootball #Lionesses
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 20, 2022
Despite England pushing for a winner in normal time, the clash went to extra-time, with Spain more than happy to see out the final few minutes at 1-1.
The Lionesses took the lead in the first half of extra time through Stanway’s stunning long-range strike. The Bayern Munich attacking midfielder drove forward with the ball and unleashed a devastating strike from around 20 yards out which flew into the far corner.
GEORGIA STANWAY!!!!! 🚀#BBCEuros #BBCFootball
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 20, 2022
England will now face off against either Sweden or Belgium in last four of the tournament, with the two nations playing their quarter-final tie on Friday evening.
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