Heartbreak for the Lionesses
What a soul-crushing night. England's lionesses were taking on the best women's football team in the USA in the semi-final of the World Cup in Lyon. England made it to the semi-finals in Canada 4 years ago. The USA is 3 times World Cup Champions and won it in Canada 4 years ago. To take on the USA England manager Phil Neville made a change in goal as Karen Bardsley was injured and Carly Telford was in the squad. Also, Beth Mead started in the left-wing replacing Toni Duggan and Rachel Daly replacing Fran Kirby. Meanwhile, the USA were without star Megan Rapinoe. The winner would take on either Sweden or the Netherlands in the final on Sunday.
Christen Press scores for the USA |
The USA had an early free-kick 5 minutes in, but the delivery was terrible as it sailed over Alex Morgans head. 9 minutes in the USA scored with a header off Christen Press. 8 minutes later Ellen White got the equaliser off a Beth Mead cross after hitting the post. It was nearly 2-1 as Rose Lavelle's curling shot was saved by Telford. The USA had a dicey situation as they almost scored an own goal by Sauerbrunn. Then Alex Morgan scored on the half-hour to make it 2-1 USA.
Ellen White equalising. |
The second half started off well for England, but the USA were starting to show their talents. Neville decided to make a change with Beth Mead off for Fran Kirby. Lavelle was replaced by Samantha Mewis. Then with 23 minutes later, Ellen White scored another equaliser, and after a VAR check, it was given offside. Then Kiera Walsh was substituted for Jade Moore. Carli Lloyd came on for Tobin Heath. Then VAR gave England a penalty off a lip by Sauerbrunn on White. Steph Houghton stepped up. But the keeper saved it. Millie Bright was sent off for a double yellow. Neville's last gamble was Georgina Stanway on for Rachel Daly. The VAR check made it 7 minutes of stoppage time. It wasn't enough time for England, and they lost.
The USA is in the final. |
Neville said that he was "proud of the team" and that "nothing was left on the pitch. He also noted that there "should be no tears. Anyway, it's onwards for England as they are now part of the Team GB squad at the Olympics next summer. For America, they have to wait to find out who they are playing on Sunday. Jill Ellis, USA coach, said that she was proud of Naeher saving the penalty and relieved at getting to a final. Ellen White, in her interview, was in tears, saying that she was proud of the team and devastated. She said that the team will rally around Houghton and Bright after a rough night for them.
It was just one step too far for England, but they go home with a proud country. And with a significant two years for the team with the Olympics next year and hosting the Women's European Championships in 2021 there is hope and ambition for England.
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