Agencies
Edmonton, July 5
England Women made more history on Saturday as they sealed third-place in the 2015 Women’s World Cup with a gritty 1-0 win over Germany in Edmonton.
Having been beaten in the most heartbreaking fashion by Japan on Thursday, with Laura Bassett’s injury-time own goal proving decisive, Mark Sampsons’s side again impressed against one of the best teams at the tournament, with Fara Williams’ extra-time penalty proving decisive.
As a result, the Lionesses, who have captivated a nation, earned the second best tournament finish of any England team in history, second only to the men of 1966.
From the off, Germany looked to impose themselves but the Lionesses’ captain Steph Houghton, so stoic in defence, ensured that the pre-tournament favourites did not take an early lead, clearing off the line following an inadvertent header from Jo Potter. Houghton had been beaten in the first minute – as Lena Petermann tested Karen Bardsley – but barely put a foot wrong thereafter, though she should have given England the lead in the 12th minute.
A corner evaded German heads and found the central defender six yards out, but she could only scuff the ball into the grateful arms of Nadine Angerer.
An end-to-end start drew to a close when Steph Diebritz fired over from range for Germany, with both teams settling into the match.
One bright spot for England at the World Cup has been the performances of Lucy Bronze and the full-back again enhanced her burgeoning reputation with a lung-busting display, and she jinked her way into the box on the half-hour mark, only to be dispossessed at the last.
Germany emerged for the second half with renewed purpose, with Bardsley being forced into a good save from Tabea Kemme.
Germany continued to press, but were frustrated, with the inspirational Houghton organising and cajoling her defence from deep, and England had several opportunities to win the game in the final 15 minutes.
Jill Scott, for one, spurned a glorious chance, as she attempted to trick Angerer and her defence and was tackled after being played through by a delicious Eniola Aluko through ball.
Aluko then wasted a chance of her own, as she attempted to control a glorious pass on her head, and inadvertently overran the ball, with Angerer again the grateful recipient.
Despite their late pressure, England could not find a goal and extra-time was needed.
Germany again looked to press forward, but England would not be denied, and finally broke the deadlock in the 108th minute.
Kemme, the German defender, pulled Leanne Sanderson to the ground in the area and Williams stepped up to slot home the resulting penalty, sending Angerer the wrong way.
England then stood firm, with Houghton and Co. refusing to bow to late German pressure, as the Lionesses earned a bronze medal for the first time in their history.
