Late drama keeps England's Euros title defence on track
England's never-say-die attitude has seen them progress to the Euro 2025 final in Switzerland. (AP PHOTO) Credit: AAP
England are living on the brink and have survived another near-inevitable elimination all the way to another Women's European Championship final.
The defending champions broke Italy's hearts — twice — in a 2-1 win after extra time in their semi-final on Tuesday night in Geneva, Switzerland.
Chloe Kelly scored the decisive goal in the 119th minute, shooting home the rebound only after Italy goalkeeper Laura Giuliani saved her penalty kick.
Italy were forced into extra time only because another substitute, Michelle Agyemang, levelled the game deep into added time.
Kelly and Agyemang also were crucial for England in another great escape in the quarter-finals against Sweden.
It was all so cruel on unheralded Italy who had led since Barbara Bonansea's rasping volleyed shot in the 33rd minute.
England will now defend their title in Sunday's decider in Basel against either Spain or Germany, who meet on Wednesday in Zurich.
For the second time in six days, England had stared down what looked an inevitable exit and survived into extra time.
Italy would have been worthy winners just for the immense defending of centre backs Elena Linari and Cecilia Salvai.
But Agyemang fired in a low shot after Giuliani spilled a cross in a rare handling error. The ball arrowed toward the net cruelly through the legs of both Linari and Giuliani.
Teenage substitute Agyemang also had scored a crucial late equalising goal in England's last-eight win over Sweden. England had trailed 2-0 after 78 minutes then survived a chaotic penalty shootout.
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