Women’s Euro 2022: England into semis with dramatic extra time victory over Spain
England came from behind to beat Spain and reach the semi-finals of UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 thanks to Georgia Stanway’s stunning extra-time strike, Ella Toone having equalised late in normal time just as it looked as if an Esther González goal would be enough to end the hosts’ hopes.
After the frantic opening exchanges with neither side able to gain control, Spain fashioned the first chance of note 16 minutes in, Mariona Caldentey curling a shot straight at Mary Earps from distance as the hosts found themselves pressed back for long periods.
Spain’s precision passing was causing England problems, albeit without much to show by way of clear chances, while at the other end England threatened for the first time as half-time approached, Ellen White turning in a free-kick only for the offside flag to cut short her celebrations.
Spain were undeterred by that warning, however, and finally turned their possession into tangible reward nine minutes into the second period. Half-time substitute Athenea del Castillo beat Rachel Daly down the Spain right and advanced into the area before picking out Esther González inside the area, the Spain No9 taking a touch and firing low beyond Earps.
Sarina Wiegman responded swiftly, introducing Chloe Kelly, Alessia Russo and Toone in quick succession, but it was Spain who continued to show the greater cutting edge, Earps clawing away another Del Castillo delivery from under her crossbar.
Daly then tested Sandra Paños from distance – England’s first shot on target, arriving in the 67th minute – as the hosts, scorers of a record 14 goals in the group stage, continued to toil going forward.
With an air of desperation beginning to creep in, Toone and Georgia Stanway both had shots blocked before Lauren Hemp lashed over as the ball pinballed around the Spain area. But just as it looked as if time was running away from England, two substitutes combined to come to their rescue, Russo rising highest to head down for Toone to volley in.
Roared on by almost 29,000 spectators, England pushed for a late winner, and although Spain survived to extra time, the reprieve was to be brief. With the hosts revived, Stanway was allowed to advance to unleash a thunderous shot from the edge of the area that left Paños clutching at air.
Now it was Spain forced to fight back, and seconds into the second period of extra time they showed their ongoing threat, Aitana Bonmatí stretching to prod just wide when well placed inside the area. Amaiur Sarriegi then had a shot blocked as England were forced to withstand some late pressure before the final whistle brought wild celebrations on the pitch and in the stands.
