England concluded an historic World Cup campaign by taking the bronze medal after securing a first ever win over Germany thanks to Fara Williams' extra-time penalty in Edmonton.
The Liverpool midfielder showed nerves of steel to step up and coolly send Nadine Angerer the wrong way after Lianne Sanderson had been tugged back in the area by Tabea Kemme. It was the Lionesses first victory in 21 attempts against the Germans and was the perfect way to sign off from a tremendous campaign in Canada.
Mark Sampson's tactical changes have been a feature of England's run throughout the tournament but his decision to switch to an unfamiliar back three almost backfired in the opening 10 minutes as Germany laid siege to the Lionesses goal. Karen Bardsley was forced to deny Lena Petermann and Celia Sasic while Steph Houghton did brilliantly to acrobatically clear off the line after Jo Potter's miscued defensive header looked to be dropping into her own net.
England settled as the half wore on and could have snared the lead against the run of play when Houghton scuffed straight at Angerer from Lucy Bronze's delightful cutback.
Sampson's side turned the screw late on and could have won it in normal time but Jill Scott failed to get her shot away after rounding Angerer. Germany dictated the play in extra-time but it was England who got the breakthrough before clinging on as Bianca Schmidt missed a simple header at the death.
-
Latest Stories
-
‘You believe Bawumia at your own risk’ – Afriyie Ankrah to Ghanaians
33 mins -
Election 2024: MFWA urges EC to lift media access restrictions at collation centres
40 mins -
Women and youth will make me President come December 7th – Alan Kyerematen declares
47 mins -
Akufo-Addo and Bawumia’s government favours slogans over substance – Mahama
53 mins -
Man handed life imprisonment after stabbing elder brother to death
57 mins -
Peace Council urges mutual respect and trust ahead of December polls
1 hour -
Ghana and Seychelles sign two agreements
1 hour -
GEPA calls for simplified digital systems to enhance cross-border trade
1 hour -
Akufo-Addo calls on Otumfuo as he commends Asanteman for the support
1 hour -
Akufo-Addo inaugurates reconstructed Atafoa bridge
1 hour -
‘We’ll do better than 2020’ – Sammi Awuku predicts NPP votes surge in 2024
1 hour -
Ghana-Diaspora Home Purchase Expo 2024 set to take off
1 hour -
2024 elections is a choice between the future and the past, says Sammi Awuku
1 hour -
Thousands of Christians pray for Bawumia at Hebron Prayer Camp
2 hours -
Bawumia taunts Mahama for his poor housing record as he commissions 1,000 TDC houses
2 hours