The English women continue to waltz about the European Championship in their own country. In the semi-final against Sweden it was 4-0 for the ‘Lionesses’, who go to the final with 20 goals scored and one goal against in five games. Strong numbers.
England started this European Championship with a frugal 1-0 win against Austria, but then took it hard against Norway (8-0) and Northern Ireland (0-5). In the quarterfinals, Spain went 2-1 for the axe.
The semifinal against Sweden promised to be another test. Sweden is in second place in the FIFA ranking, but had a hard time against the Red Flames in the quarterfinals. Only in stoppage time were the Scandinavian women able to score (1-0).
Sweden had scored almost immediately against England on Tuesday evening. After barely twenty seconds, Stina Blackstenius came in front of goal alone, but the English goalkeeper Mary Earps showed off with a nice foot reflex.
The 29-year-old goalkeeper of Manchester United kept an excellent goal throughout the match and the English attackers also did their job. Ten minutes before half time, Bethany Mead gave the English the lead with her sixth goal already this tournament. Just after the break, Lucy Bronze made it 2-0 after a corner kick with a good header.
genius heel
Sweden still had chances to score the connection goal, but in minute 68 came a brilliant moment from substitute Alessia Russo. The attacker of Manchester United initially did not get past the Swedish goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl and then decided to unpack with a heel in the rebound. The ball went between Lindahl’s legs, 3-0. Fantastic goal and the game was over. Fifteen minutes before the end, Francesca Kirby even made it 4-0.
The images of the 3-0:
The second semifinal between Germany and France will be played on Wednesday. The winner of that game will face England in the final next Sunday.
