Finally it was England’s turn. After defeats to Spain in the women’s World Cup final in 2023 and the men’s Euros final in 2024, Sarina Wiegman’s team finally got the better of their rivals.
England created the better chances in the early exchanges, with Lauren Hemp forcing a smart save from Cata Coll after intercepting a loose pass from the Spanish goalkeeper.
The were soon punished for that miss though, with building patiently down the right before Ona Batlle dug out a cross which Caldentey, who plays her club football in England for Arsenal, headed powerfully home on 25 minutes.
With superiority established on the scoreboard, the world champions took control of possession and kept England at arm’s length until halftime.
But England have made a habit of comebacks in the tournament. They lost their first match to and came from behind to win in their quaterfinal and semifinal, against Sweden and Italy respectively. On 57 minutes, they were at it again as Alessia Russo rose to plant a superb header in the Spanish net after a Chloe Kelly’s cross.
Kelly, on as a substitute, and has had a major role in her team’s comebacks this campaign. The goal galvanized England and the game became increasingly stretched, with chances spurned and saved at either end before extra time arrived.
Spain reasserted control soon after but lacked cutting edge, , when it took them 113 minutes to break the deadlock and win the game. England managed to cling on to force penalties. In the end, Kelly fired home the decisive spot kick. Her again.
More to follow.
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