England’s comeback edges past Sweden 3-2
International Desk, Jul 17 (EFE).-
England pulled off a comeback and edged past Sweden 3-2 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in an anxious Euro semifinal clash in Switzerland.
Sweden had the upper hand early on.
Just two minutes in, Kosovare Asllani scored after a costly mistake by England’s defense.
“No one sees us as favorites, but we’re one of the best teams in the world,” she said before the match, and she proved it quickly.
Stina Blackstenius doubled Sweden’s lead before halftime, and England looked out of options.
But the defending champions refused to quit.
In the final minutes of regular time, Lucy Bronze and Michelle Agyemang scored back-to-back goals in the 79th and 81st minutes.
Suddenly, the game was tied and full of tension.
Extra time brought no goals, so the match went to penalties. Both teams struggled, but Sweden missed five of their seven shots, while England missed four.
Stina Blackstenius doubled Sweden’s lead before halftime, and England looked out of options.
Extra time brought no goals, so the match went to penalties. Both teams struggled, but Sweden missed five of their seven shots, while England missed four.
“It wasn’t pretty, but we’re through,” said England coach Sarina Wiegman. “This team never gives up.”
England will now face Italy in the semifinals, keeping their title defense alive, barely.
Sweden, despite a strong performance, heads home heartbroken. EFE int-seo /mcd
