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Showing posts with the label Women's Football

England win Euro 2025 after dramatic final

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England 1 - 1 Spain (England won 3-1 on penalties) England etched their name into the history books once again with a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Spain. Author | Lauren W Stadium | St. Jakob-Park Chloe Kelly, who famously scored the winner in the Euro 2022 final at Wembley, was the hero once more. She calmly converted the decisive penalty after Spain missed three in a row, with goalkeeper Hannah Hampton making two crucial saves. It is the first time any England team has won a major tournament on foreign soil. The result also reinforces Sarina Wiegman’s status as one of the finest managers in the game , having now secured three consecutive European titles with two different nations. The Lionesses became the first team to win a single-legged Euros final after trailing at half-time, showing remarkable resilience yet again. They had fallen behind in all three knockout matches and once more found a way to respond. READ MORE |  The story of Euro 2025 READ MORE |  New...

It will be Spain v England in the Euro 2025 final

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Germany 0 - 1 Spain Aitana BonmatĂ­ produced a moment of brilliance in extra time to send Spain into the final of Euro 2025. Author | Georgie B Stadium | Stadion Letzigrund This dramatic victory has set up a World Cup final rematch with England. With the tie still goalless after 90 minutes, the two-time Ballon d’Or winner turned smartly on the edge of the area before firing low past Ann-Katrin Berger in the 113th minute. It was a finish that reflected her class and composure, and one that proved decisive on a tense night. Germany rallied in the closing minutes and almost forced a penalty shootout. Cata Coll made a crucial diving stop to deny Lea SchĂĽller and preserve Spain’s slender advantage, booking La Roja's place in their first European Championship final. The result sets up a repeat of the 2023 World Cup final, which Spain edged 1-0 thanks to Olga Carmona’s first-half strike.  A closer look at what happened on another dramatic night Bth teams were well matched across the pitc...

England produce another stirring comeback

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England 2 - 1 Italy England produced another stirring comeback to book their place in the Euro 2025 final. Author | Lauren W Stadium | Stade de Genève Michelle Agyemang came off the bench to rescue the reigning champions in the 96th minute, keeping their title defence alive with a calm and clinical finish. Then, with just a minute remaining in extra time, Chloe Kelly fired in the rebound after her penalty was saved, sparking wild celebrations as Sarina Wiegman’s side reached another major final. It was a breathless conclusion to a gripping night in Switzerland, where England’s substitutes once again made the difference. Wiegman’s team showed remarkable resilience and refused to be beaten, even as the clock ticked down. READ MORE | What else has been happening at Euro 2025 Agyemang’s fairytale story continues. The 19-year-old scored her second goal of the tournament, both from the bench, striking low past Laura Giuliani with confidence well beyond her years. A closer look at what ha...

Ten-player Germany stun France after shootout

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France 1 - 1 Germany - Germany won 6-5 on penalties Germany pulled off a remarkable victory over France to reach the semi-finals of Euro 2025, winning a dramatic penalty shootout despite playing with 10 players for nearly 110 minutes. Author | Jamie P Stadium | St. Jakob-Park The eight-time champions lost Kathrin Hendrich to a straight red card in the 13th minute after the defender was caught pulling Griedge Mbock’s hair in the box. Grace Geyoro converted the resulting penalty to give France an early lead. What followed was a display of remarkable discipline and resolve from Christian WĂĽck’s side, who dug deep to level through Sjoeke NĂĽsken’s header and then held firm through extra time before triumphing 6-5 in the shootout. Goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger was the standout performer. After a string of impressive saves in normal and extra time, she made the decisive stop to deny Alice Sombath and send Germany through to a semi-final against world champions Spain. READ MORE |...

England qualify after dramatic shootout win

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England 2 - 2 Sweden (England won 3-2 on penalties) England mounted a stirring late comeback to keep their European title defence alive Author | Jamie P Stadium | Stadion Letzigrund Lucy Bronze, stepping up as England’s seventh taker, rifled her penalty into the roof of the net before Sweden’s Smilla Holmberg blazed over to bring a wild, error-strewn shootout to a close. It was a chaotic finale, with Sweden converting just two of their seven spot-kicks. Hannah Hampton made two crucial saves, while her opposite number, Jennifer Falk, denied four England efforts but missed a golden chance to seal victory when she sent her own penalty over the bar. Sarina Wiegman’s side had looked dead and buried after falling two goals behind within the first 25 minutes. Kosovare Asllani opened the scoring before Stina Blackstenius added a second, capitalising on England’s laboured start. But the Lionesses clawed their way back, with Bronze nodding in a Chloe Kelly cross and 17-year-old Michelle Agye...

Italy leave it late against Norway

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Italy 2 - 1 Norway  Italy left it very late to defeat Norway Author | Sophie T Stadium | Stade de Genève Cristiana Girelli scored a dramatic 90th-minute winner to send Italy into the Euro 2025 semi-finals with a 2–1 victory over Norway, setting up the prospect of a meeting with defending champions England. Girelli, the Italy captain, had earlier opened the scoring after a commanding first-half display, only for Ada Hegerberg to cancel it out after recovering from a missed penalty. But with extra time looming, the veteran striker met Sofia Cantore’s cross with a well-timed header to seal Italy’s place in the last four for the first time since 1997. Their semi-final opponents will be confirmed on Thursday, when England take on Sweden in the last of the quarter-finals. A closer look at what happened Italy controlled proceedings in the opening period and were unfortunate not to be ahead at the break. Girelli, Arianna Caruso, Emma Severini and Lucia Di Guglielmo all had chances,...

Sweden underline title credentials

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Sweden 4 - 1 Germany Sweden underlined their Euro 2025 credentials with an emphatic 4-1 win over Germany in Zurich, finishing top of Group C and handing the eight-time champions their heaviest ever defeat at a European Championship. Author | Ed Stadium | Stadion Letzigrund Both sides had already secured passage to the quarter-finals, but top spot was still up for grabs in a match that quickly descended into chaos for Germany, who were reduced to 10 players after just half an hour. Germany made the brighter start and struck first in the seventh minute. A superb ball from Carlotta Wamser released Jule Brand, who slotted confidently beyond Jennifer Falk to score the first goal Sweden have conceded at the tournament. But Sweden hit back almost immediately. A turnover high up the pitch allowed Stina Blackstenius to race through and calmly roll the ball past Ann-Katrin Berger to level the scores. Germany continued to show ambition going forward, but their defensive shape unravelled. Sara...

Italy progress despite defeat

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Italy 1 - 3 Spain Esther González continued her impressive form with her fourth goal of Euro 2025 as Spain edged past Italy to maintain their perfect record Author | Ajay Stadium | Stadion Wankdorf Despite the defeat, Italy progressed to the quarter-finals as group runners-up after Portugal slipped to a surprise defeat against already-eliminated Belgium in Friday’s other Group B fixture. A closer look at what happened Italy made a spirited start in Salerno, unsettling the world champions early on. Captain Elena Linari rattled the crossbar with a thumping header before Elisabetta Oliviero struck a fierce left-footed shot beyond Adriana Nanclares to give Le Azzurre a deserved lead. The advantage, however, was short-lived. Just four minutes later, Athenea del Castillo cut through the Italian defence and exchanged passes with Alexia Putellas, who cleverly backheeled the return for Del Castillo to slam home the equaliser. READ MORE | Spain 6 - 2 Belgium READ MORE | What else has bee...

England revive Euro 2025 hopes

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England 4 - 0 Netherlands England bounced back from their opening defeat at Euro 2025 with an emphatic win over the Netherlands, reviving their hopes of reaching the quarter-finals. Author | Olivia T Stadium | Stadion Letzigrund Lauren James was moved to the wing following criticism of England’s midfield setup in the loss to France, responded with two goals as the whole side produced a dominant display.  A closer look at what happened James opened the scoring after 22 minutes, drilling a low shot into the corner from the edge of the area following a superb long-range pass from goalkeeper Hannah Hampton. Sarina Wiegman’s side looked far more composed in Zurich, pressing with purpose, defending solidly and dictating the tempo throughout. Georgia Stanway, who had struggled against France, doubled the lead in first-half stoppage time with a powerful strike, celebrating with arms outstretched. READ MORE | A closer look at Euro 2025 James added her second just after the hour ma...

Spain eliminate Belgium from Euro 2025

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Spain 6 - 2 Belgium Alexia Putellas delivered a masterclass in creativity and composure as Spain reinforced their status as Euro 2025 favourites with a commanding win over Belgium Author | Jack L Stadium | Stockhorn Arena Putellas scored twice and provided two assists in a performance that highlighted her enduring class and influence. After making a flying start in their opener against Portugal, Spain took a little longer to find their rhythm in Thun, but once they did, they took full control. She opened the scoring in the 22nd minute with a rifled finish following a neat exchange with Vicky Lopez. Belgium responded almost immediately, with Justine Vanhaevermaet rising above the defence to head in Tessa Wullaert’s corner. Spain regained the lead six minutes before the break when Irene Paredes, back in the side after suspension, powered home a header from a set-piece. READ MORE |  What else has been happening at Euro 2025 READ MORE |  England’s Euros defence begins on ...

England’s Euros defence begins on a frustrating note

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France 2 - 1 England England’s European title defence began on a frustrating note as they slipped to a defeat against France in their heavyweight Group D opener in Zurich. Author | Olivia T Stadium | Stadion Letzigrund Touted as the toughest fixture of the group stage for Sarina Wiegman’s side, it proved to be every bit the challenge they expected but England never truly looked up to it. There were promising flashes in the opening exchanges, with Chelsea’s Lauren James, fit enough to start, offering a glimpse of her talent. But despite a bright few minutes and a disallowed goal from Alessia Russo, chalked off by VAR for an offside against Beth Mead, England struggled to impose themselves for long spells. France seized control from there. Marie-Antoinette Katoto bundled in the opener after 36 minutes and Chelsea forward Sandy Baltimore doubled their advantage just three minutes later. By that stage, England looked unlikely to mount a comeback. READ MORE |  What else has been hap...

Germany start campaign with a comfortable win

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Germany 2 - 0 Poland A comfortable victory for Germany as their quest to go one better at Euro 2025 starts Author | Ed Stadium | kybunpark Christian WĂĽck’s side controlled almost three-quarters of possession before the interval but were left to rue a series of missed chances as the first half ended goalless.  Brand and Giulia Gwinn both went close, though Poland defended doggedly and their West Ham goalkeeper Kinga Szemik impressed with a string of saves. There was concern for the 2022 finalists shortly before the break when captain Gwinn left the pitch in tears after injuring herself while making a crucial challenge to deny Ewa Pajor. She initially tried to carry on but was eventually helped off by medical staff. WĂĽck confirmed Gwinn will undergo a scan in Zurich on Saturday to determine the severity of the injury. READ MORE | What else has been happening at Euro 2025 READ MORE | How Italy started their campaign with a win Germany responded well to the setback and their ...

Italy start Euro 2025 with a win

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Belgium 0 - 1 Italy Arianna Caruso's fantastic strike gave Italy victory over Belgium in their first match of Euro 2025. Author | Peter Grainger  Stadium | Stade de Tourbillon The first half offered little in the way of clear chances, though Belgium’s Tessa Wullaert came close after turning smartly in the box, only to fire into the side-netting. But with the interval approaching, Caruso latched onto a defence-splitting pass from Lucia Di Guglielmo and calmly guided her finish into the top corner. Italy threatened to extend their lead after the break in Sion. Captain Cristiana Girelli saw her audacious back-heel saved by Lisa Lichtfus, while Michela Cambiaghi squandered a golden chance when clean through on goal. READ MORE | Switzerland 1 - 2 Norway READ MORE | Latest Euro 2025 news, match reports and more The result hands Andrea Soncin’s side a valuable three points in what looks a demanding group that also features world champions Spain, who face Portugal later on Thursda...

Norway beat Euros hosts in first game

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Switzerland 1 - 2 Norway Ada Hegerberg scored a penalty, whilst also missing one, as Norway came from behind to defeat hosts Switzerland on the opening night of Euro 2025. Author | Hollie Jacobs A sold-out St Jakob-Park provided the backdrop for an entertaining opening ceremony and a lively atmosphere that carried into the match. Spurred on by the home crowd, Switzerland took a deserved lead when Nadine Riesen capitalised on a loose ball inside the area, her finish clipping the post on its way in. Norway, twice champions of this competition, were unconvincing in the first half and failed to register a single shot on target. But the game turned after the break as Switzerland’s early control slipped away. Hegerberg rose above the defence to head past Livia Peng from a corner, before Julia Stierli’s sliced clearance found her own net just five minutes later. READ MORE |   Throwback to Women's Euro 2022 final The quickfire turnaround stunned the hosts, and Hegerberg had t...

Women’s Super League to be extended to 14 teams

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Interesting and potentially exciting news from the WSL The Women’s Super League is set to grow from 12 to 14 teams from the 2026–27 season Author | Lauren W It has also been confirmed that relegation will remain part of the structure in the Women's game.  Under the revised format, the top two teams from the second-tier Championship will gain automatic promotion at the end of next season. The side finishing third will face a play-off against the team that finishes bottom of the WSL, with a place in the top flight at stake. The changes were confirmed on Monday after a vote by clubs, bringing clarity after months of uncertainty. READ MORE | How Arsenal Women won the Champions League  READ MORE |  WSL news and stories from European Super Football Speculation had intensified in March amid suggestions that relegation could be suspended temporarily as part of the expansion. That idea sparked criticism across the game, but league officials maintained that no formal proposal h...

UK to host 2035 Women’s World Cup

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The United Kingdom is set to host the 2035 Women's World Cup  It has been reported via FIFA that the UK bid is the sole valid bidder for the tournament. Author - Craig H Will the UK World Cup build on the growing popularity within women's football Source | European Super Football Flickr England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland submitted a joint expression of interest in March to hold the World Cup across the home nations. Under Fifa rotation rules, the tournament must be in Europe or Africa. Straight away, this made the UK bid one of the favourites to win. The Spainish federation president Rafael Louzan had apparently said last week that they were working on a joint bid alongside Portugal and Morocco. However, the deadline for expressions of interest passed on Monday and FIFA officials have said the UK's bid is the only one received for 2035, while the United States are set to host the 2031 edition. Source | Daniel on Flickr Formal bids for the 2035 World Cup...

United boost Champions League hopes after comfortable WSL win

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Manchester United 2 - 0 Everton Manchester United took a step closer to securing Champions League football next season with a composed victory over Everton. Author - Olivia T Stadium - Leigh Sports Village Dominique Janssen capitalised on a costly error from Everton goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan to open the scoring midway through the first half, before Grace Clinton produced a moment of brilliance shortly after the break to double United’s lead. Despite never having beaten United in the Women’s Super League, Everton made a bright start under Brian Sorensen. They thought they had an early breakthrough when Katja Snoeijs found the net inside two minutes, but referee Phoebe Cross ruled it out for handball following a goalmouth scramble. The game’s momentum was disrupted by a lengthy injury stoppage for United’s Jayde Riviere, though Everton still looked lively. Kelly Gago forced Phallon Tullis-Joyce into a sharp save from a tight angle, but their good work was undone in the 22nd min...

Chelsea move closer to another WSL title

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Manchester City 1 - 2 Chelsea Erin Cuthbert struck a dramatic injury-time winner at Manchester City as Chelsea recovered from their midweek Champions League setback to keep their pursuit of a sixth consecutive Women’s Super League title on track. Author - Macca Stadium - Etihad Stadium The Scotland midfielder’s diving header settled a thrilling third meeting between the sides in just eight days, a contest that saw City’s Jess Park have a goal controversially ruled out after the referee failed to play advantage. Chelsea’s 31-game unbeaten run across all competitions was ended on Wednesday when City claimed a 2-0 win in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final at Joie Stadium. That result avenged City’s League Cup final defeat four days earlier, with the sides set to meet again in the return leg on Thursday night. Nick Cushing’s team looked on course for back-to-back victories after dominating the first half, with winger Kerolin opening the scoring in the 32nd minute wit...

Chelsea win Women's League Cup

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Chelsea 2 - 1 Manchester City Chelsea claimed their first trophy under Sonia Bompastor with a narrow victory over Manchester City in the Women’s League Cup final, keeping their pursuit of a historic quadruple firmly on track. Author - Macca Stadium - Pride Park Bompastor has made an immediate impact since replacing Emma Hayes last May, winning 26 of her 28 matches in charge. Mayra RamĂ­rez gave Chelsea the perfect start at Derby County’s Pride Park, bundling home from close range after City captain Laia Aleixandri inadvertently diverted the ball into her path. Aoba Fujino levelled after the break with a stunning strike, but an unfortunate own goal from Yui Hasegawa restored Chelsea’s advantage and ended their three-year run of heartbreak in League Cup finals. City, playing their first match under interim boss Nick Cushing following Gareth Taylor’s sacking just five days ago, dominated possession after Chelsea’s early breakthrough. READ MORE: Latest Manchester City news from our frie...

Chelsea progress as group winners in Women's Champions League

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Real Madrid 1 - 2 Chelsea Substitute Catarina Macario scored twice from the spot as Chelsea overturned a deficit to defeat Real Madrid and secure their place in the Women’s Champions League quarter-finals as Group B winners. Author - Peter Grainger Real Madrid appeared poised to claim top spot after Scotland forward Caroline Weir’s early strike, which deflected off Lucy Bronze , found its way past Hannah Hampton despite the goalkeeper getting a hand to it. Facing her first potential loss since taking charge of the Blues in the summer, Sonia Bompastor made a decisive half-time substitution, bringing on US international Catarina Macario for the ineffective Mayra Ramirez. Macario made an immediate impact. After seeing one effort ruled out for offside and narrowly missing the target with another, she earned and converted her first penalty in the 51st minute after being brought down by Olga Carmona. Carmona, who famously scored the winner in Spain’s 1-0 victory over England in the 2023...