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England Stages Dramatic Comeback to Defeat Sweden in Penalty Shootout
England secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over Sweden in a penalty shootout, following a match that saw the Lionesses mount an amazing comeback from a two-goal deficit. The decisive moment came when 18-year-old Swedish defender Smilla Holmberg struck the crossbar, allowing Lucy Bronze to seal the win for England with a powerful penalty.
“It was stressful, both to watch and to play,” admitted English goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, who was instrumental in the shootout, saving two penalties while Sweden missed three. “Every time I saved one, I thought, ‘Please, you just have to put the next one in to get some advantage.’ But their keeper saved the next one and I thought, ‘Oh God, here we go again!'”
England found themselves trailing by two goals with just 12 minutes remaining in regulation time. Though, goals from Lucy Bronze and substitute Michelle Agyemang forced the match into extra time.This marked a historic achievement in the Women’s Euro, as it was the first time a team had come back from two goals down in a knockout-stage match.
England is now set to face Italy in a semifinal clash scheduled for Tuesday in Geneva.
Sweden had entered the match in dominant form, topping their group with a perfect nine points from three victories, including a commanding 4-1 win against Germany in their final group game. They started with immense pressure in Zurich.
Within the opening two minutes, Sweden capitalized on an early opportunity. A pass deflected off Filippa angeldahl, falling to Stina Blackstenius. She then laid the ball off to a free Kosovare Asllani, who finished calmly into the bottom left corner just 1 minute and 46 seconds into the game. Sweden continued to exploit spaces on the right flank, doubling their advantage. Blackstenius received a pass from Julia Zigiotti Olme,evaded Jess Carter’s marking as she entered the area,and calmly slotted the ball towards the far post.
Hampton made crucial saves to deny Fridolina Rolfö and Blackstenius, keeping England’s hopes alive.
Substitute Chloe Kelly, introduced in the 78th minute, made an immediate impact. She delivered a cross from the left that Bronze headed in at the far post. just two minutes later, another precise cross found the teenage Agyemang, who headed home to equalize. This was the 19-year-old agyemang’s second goal for England in her third appearance.
The extra time period offered few clear-cut chances, ultimately leading to the penalty shootout. both Sweden and England had previously won their last penalty shootouts in the round of 16 of the 2023 World Cup. In this encounter, four players from each side missed their spot-kicks before Bronze converted hers and Holmberg’s miss sealed England’s victory.
