17
21:19
The VAR intervened in this case because Riem Hussein had initially wrongly ruled offside. The horror start for the Vikings is perfect.
16
21:17
Tooor for England, 2-0 by Lauren Hemp
Brighton celebrate the Lionesses leading 2-0 after sixteen minutes! Mead and Bronze play a wonderful one-two on the right, after which the number seven enters the penalty area on the right, lets Blakstad run into the void and lays flat across the back post. Hemp is standing there and just has to push the ball over the line!
15
21:16
VAR checks hits!
14
21:15
2:0? No, offside!
13.
21:14
This penalty whistle by the German referee Riem Hussein should still provide a topic for discussion. The slow motion actually shows that Maria Thorisdottir hardly works on her opponent. Questionable why the VAR remained silent.
12.
21:12
Tooor for England, 1-0 by Georgia Stanway
Stanway to Heaven – at least that’s how the English fans should feel after the number ten of the Lionesses coolly chases the ball up into the left corner! Pettersen stretches in vain, the host leads!
10
21:11
Penalty for England! White is played in the center of the penalty area and turns with difficulty against Thorisdottir in the direction of the goal. The Norwegian pulls slightly on the jersey, but then lets go of her again – a questionable decision!
9.
21:09
Nonetheless, it’s a very controlled start for both teams. No one wants to take risks early on here and possibly run after a deficit. The game is too important for the rest of the tournament.
7.
21:08
The ball possession pendulum is slowly tipping over to the hosts, who get into the game better. They press earlier and the first rooms appear.
6.
21:07
Walsh then has a good idea and seeks out Hemp from the center with a nice high diagnoal ball well into the Scandinavians’ half. However, Tuva Hansen anticipates the Englishwoman and shields the ball well.
4.
21:05
The Lionesses are still a little too uncertain in their own passing game. They carelessly pass the balls they have won from the back four to the wingers with aimlessly high passes.
3.
21:04
The Vikings are still in possession of the ball looking for the first early gaps. A lot goes on the left side, where riding and Blakstad are dynamic.
1.
21:02
The Norwegians initially let the ball circulate safely in their own ranks, the Lionesses stagger deep at first.
1.
21:01
The anthems are played and referee Hussein whistles for the hosts’ second game! 28,000 fans in Brighton are excited for the next ninety minutes! England play in white, Norway are dressed in red. Here we go!
20:48
Before the German women continue tomorrow against co-favorite Spain, there is already a German woman on the field today. Riem Hussein will referee the first game in Brighton. Born in Bad Harzburg, she has experienced the World Cup and has been officiating professional games since 2006. She is supported by Katrin Rafalski and the Swiss Susann Küng. Two familiar faces from the men’s Bundesliga sit in the VAR area – Christian Dingert and Harm Osmers operate the video evidence.
20:35
Norway’s coach Martin Sjörgen was also not completely satisfied. It may sound odd after his side’s 4-1 win over EURO newcomers Northern Ireland, but it becomes more understandable when you look at the two different halves of the game. In the first round, the Vikings whirled, while after four goals they shifted down a gear or two up to the 54th minute. “We can’t afford that in a big tournament because you’ll be punished,” the coach underlines his criticism. In any case, his players are dependent on two consistently good halves against the strong English team.
20:18
A whiff of Wembley 1966 wafted through Old Trafford when Beth Mead lobbed the ball over the Austrian goalkeeper in the opening game and Carina Wenninger caught the ball just behind the line trying to clear – goal-line technology did its job and the 68,000 fans cheered goal of the day. The Lionesses solved the first mandatory task against Austria at the start of the European Championship in their own country without a shine. Sarina Wiegman did not erupt in euphoria after the relatively close 1-0 win against Austria, but emphasized that there was still room for improvement: “We have to calm down a bit in the last third.” But maybe this hectic pace near the opponent’s goal was also there due to the great tension before this European Championship at home. The first hurdle was taken anyway and now it comes directly to the supposed showdown for group victory against Norway.
20:02
“Never change a winning team” – Sarina Wiegman uses the English football wisdom for her Lionesses. Somewhat surprisingly, she never changes and trusts the same team that defeated the Austrians 1-0 in the opening game. There has been speculation that Alex Greenwood will drop into central defense and captain Leah Williamson move into midfield, but that is not happening for the time being. On the other hand, Norway coach Martin Sjörgen makes three changes on the right: Tuva Hansen, Vilde Bøe Risa and Karina Sævik start in place of Anja Sønstevold, Frida Maanum and Amalie Eikeland.
19:55
Welcome to Group A Matchday 2 between hosts England and Norway! Kick-off in Brighton is at 9pm!