BRIGHTON, England—The knockout stage of the 2022 Women’s European Championships kicked off on Wednesday. Host nation England took on Spain in the quarterfinals.
The last couple of days leading up to Wednesday’s quarterfinal clash saw temperatures in England soar to historic heights. In fact, the high in the eastern village of Coningsby reached 104.5 degrees Fahrenheit on Tuesday. It was the highest temperature ever recorded in the nation’s history.
That weather reflected the type of match fans at Amex Stadium witnessed in Wednesday’s game—a sizzling, ferocious contest. England prevailed with a 2-1 comeback win that was highlighted by a brilliant goal from Georgia Stanway in extra time.
The Lionesses achieved their first ever comeback victory in the knockout stage of any European championship tournament.
Spain proves its worth
After a dramatic, last-minute victory against Denmark in a win-or-go-home situation on Saturday, Spain marched toward the knockout stage.
The Spanish were considered as favorites to win the entire tournament earlier in the month. But after unconvincing performances against Finland and Germany, there was a tremendous amount of uncertainty as to how far the team could progress.
Spain turned that uncertainty into belief after the first half of play on Wednesday.
Despite heading into halftime in a scoreless contest, it was clear that Spain Head Coach Jorge Vilda commanded his team to play in the same fashion they had in the group stage. That strategy prioritized possessing the ball and breaking down the opposition’s defense.
The breakthrough finally came in the 54th minute when Athenea del Castillo maneuvered passed England defender Rachel Daly on the near side and found herself wide open in the penalty area. She then delivered a perfect ground ball right to the feet of Esther González, who slotted home a right-footed goal to give her team a 1-0 lead.
Spain found what it was looking for. Only about 35 minutes separated them from a spot in the final four.
It was also the first goal that England conceded in the entire tournament.
England bounces back in thrilling fashion
All Spain had to do was continue moving the ball and take time off the clock. With just a little over six minutes left in the game and still up 1-0, the team kept inching closer to the reality of eliminating the hosts. More importantly, they were on the verge of their first semifinal appearance since 1997.
But England substitute Ella Toone had something to say about that.
In the 84th minute, the Lionesses were in the attacking third. Lauren Hemp delivered a cross from the far-side, hoping that one of the four England players in the penalty area could generate a shot.
Alessia Russo leaped the highest against three Spanish defenders to head the ball directly in Toone’s path. Toone was right in front of the goal and had only goalkeeper Sandra Paños to beat.
She did exactly that with a first-time shot off her right foot.
England equalized, 1-1, and were back in business.
Stanway shines in extra time
Thirty minutes of additional play was required with neither team able to break the deadlock after 90 minutes of action. Both squads were desperate for just one opportunity to pounce. That was all that separated one of them from a berth in the semifinals.
Just six minutes into the first period of extra time, it was another midfielder who stepped up for England. Georgia Stanway found herself in acres of space after her team won possession in midfield. She dribbled towards Spain’s goal and launched a right-footed rocket from just outside the penalty box.
Sandra Paños could do nothing about it and the host nation took a critical 2-1 lead. Amex Stadium erupted in celebration.
That goal was all England needed to finish the game. Despite outshooting England 17-10 and controlling 58% of possession, Spain was out of the 2022 Women’s European Championships.
Bright reflects on the win
Wednesday’s 2-1 win was one of the most emotional victories in recent memory for the England women’s national team.
On the verge of being eliminated in front of their home fans, the Lionesses responded. It may not have been in the most convincing manner, but defender Millie Bright applauded how her squad kept their composure in what was an emotional, anxiety-filled battle.
“We (England) prepared for every (possible) scenario in the game. For us, it was about remaining calm, composed and knowing that we just needed that one chance,” Bright said after Wednesday’s victory. “Everyone (has) that belief. We had (it) before the game (and) throughout the game.”
Upcoming schedule
With Wednesday’s victory, the Lionesses earned their sixth appearance in the semifinals of a Women’s European Championship.
England’s next match will be played at Bramall Lane in Sheffield on Tuesday. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. EST.
They will face the winner of Friday’s quarterfinal between Sweden and Belgium.
