England’s ice-cold comeback queens are again the football queens of Europe. The Lionesses prevailed in the dramatic final of Basel 3-1 in a penalty shoot-out against world champion Spain and thus reorganized themselves for the bankruptcy in the World Cup final 2023.
After the triumph of Wembley against the German team in 2022 it was the second English European championship title, Sarina Wiegman even managed the hat trick at the European Championships after Tina Theune.
Chloe Kelly became heroines with the decisive penalty and Hannah Hampton with two parades. Alessia Russo (57th) had once again compensated for a game for the British in front of Prince William’s eyes who had already returned in a fairytale-like manner in quarter and semi-finals from almost hopeless situations.
For the Germany-converting Spain, which was so convincing in the course of the tournament, it was only enough for the initial final participation to the initial tour of Mariona Caldentey (25th), the title premiere at the European Championships must wait.
Because England successfully defended the crown in the 14th European Championship thanks to Wiegman. The trainer was in a series in the final of a world or European championship for the fifth time- and after her first triumph with the Netherlands, secured the 6.7 kilogram and 60 centimeter EM cup for the third time.
England answers – and keeps your nerves
For the first time, the mating of the World Cup final (1-0 for Spain) was repeated in the final of the following European Championship. The mood among the supporters of both teams was accordingly euphoric, thousands of fans celebrated a peaceful football festival in the early afternoon in Basel’s city center. The German goalkeeper Ann-Kathrin Berger from the front row supported her fiance Jess Carter in the grandeur of the English relatives.
While the English had shot several residues in the course of the tournament, Spain shone across all games. Accordingly, the Furia Roja started the final. “We are calm, we are calm, we enjoy football. We have no pressure – we see this as an opportunity to continue writing history,” said captain Irene Paredes. After a short final ceremony, England caught the better start in front of 34,203 spectators.
Alessia Russo broke through Leah Williamson after a long pass, but goalkeeper Cata Coll fell off the low shot (3rd). However, the expected game developed: Spain took control with a well -kept short pass game, while the Lionesses skilfully lurked on fast switching campaigns. After a bad pass from Coll in his own penalty area, Lauren Hemp offered huge chance, but the goalkeeper made up for her mistake again with strong foot defense (19th).
That quickly avoided: on the opposite side, Mariona headed perfectly into the corner after the first big chance. As a result, England left the courage, before the break there was hardly any relief. Even though super joker Chloe Kelly was allowed to go into the game earlier than expected because Lauren was injured by James (40th). There was initially no more than a first warning shot from the attacker (44th).
After the change of sides, little changed at the dominance of the Spaniards, both Mariona (52nd) and Alexia Putellas (55th) awarded good positions. Instead, Russo headed a Kelly flank on the opposite side. This gave the lioness buoyancy, an open exchange of blows with a lot of offensive urge developed in both directions. Hannah Hampton shiny for England against Claudia Pina (74th).
Intensity and tension still rose in the extension. Spain urged that England seemed physically drained, but it was up to it – and then had the better nerves.