England beats Sweden on penalties to reach Euro 2025 semifinals after dramatic comeback
The shootout featured some terrible penalties before England triumphed 3-2 with 18-year-old Smilla Holmberg missing the last one after Lucy Bronze had powerfully dispatched hers for the Lionesses.
England had been trailing almost from the start and was 2-0 down with 12 minutes remaining before goals from Bronze and teenage substitute Michelle Agyemang took the match to extra time.
It is the first time in the history of the Women's Euros that a team has fought back from two goals down in a knockout match.
England will face Italy in the semifinal in Geneva on Tuesday.
Sweden had topped its group with maximum points after three wins, including a memorable 4-1 victory over Germany last time out, and it started where it left off in Zurich.
England appeared on the back foot from the off and as they tried to play it out from the back a pass rebounded off Filippa Angeldahl and came to Stina Blackstenius, who teed up a completely unmarked Kosovare Asllani to slot into the bottom left corner.
The goal was timed at 1 minute, 46 seconds.
Sweden was finding space on the right flank and exploited it again to double its lead. Blackstenius raced onto Julia Zigiotti Olme's pass and held off Jess Carter as she surged into the area and calmly dispatched the ball into the far bottom corner.
England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton pulled off fine saves to deny Fridolina Rolfö and Blackstenius and keep England in the game.
Chloe Kelly was brought on in the 78th minute and she had an immediate impact as she whipped in a cross from the left for Bronze to head in at the back post.
And another precise cross two minutes later was nodded down for fellow substitute Agyemang to head in the equalizer.
It was the 19-year-old's second goal for England on her third appearance.
There were few real chances in extra time, meaning that penalties would be needed to separate the sides.
Both Sweden and England had won their last penalty shootouts, in the round of 16 at the 2023 World Cup.
Four players from each team missed their spot kicks before Bronze scored hers and Holmberg blazed over.
___
AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
6 minutes ago
- Yahoo
New York Giants training camp: Top 5 plays from Week 1
The New York Giants wrapped up their first week of training camp on Sunday under overcast East Rutherford skies and with their shells on. There were many highs and lows throughout the week, but more reasons for optimism than pessimism. The offense looks like an entirely different unit than a year ago, while the defensive front seven flashed utter dominance. There were also more than a handful of highlight plays on all sides of the ball, breathing life and excitement into the fan base. Here's a look at the top five plays of the week. 5. The catch that wasn't On the very last play of Sunday's wrap-up practice, rookie running back Cam Skattebo flashed brilliant hands and concentration, hauling in a deflected pass while tapping his toes on the ground. Unfortunately for Skattebo, he was out of bounds by an inch... But it shouldn't take away from the highlight catch. 4. Jones pick-6 Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart was introduced to fine-line football in his first training camp practice as a pro. During red zone drills, Dart attempted to fire a tight ball into tight end Greg Dulcich, who was undercut by cornerback Nic Jones. From there, it was off to the races for a pick-6. 3. Wan'Dale stunner Quarterback Russell Wilson, unlike Daniel Jones before him, isn't afraid to throw the ball downfield, where wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson flashed this week. One of those plays included a beautiful fade, where Robinson made a sliding one-handed touchdown grab in front of cornerback Dru Phillips. 2. Carter destroys JMS Rookie edge rusher Abdul Carter is a freak of nature and established himself as a human highlight reel in Week 1 of training camp. He showed out every single day and made multiple "wow" plays in each practice. Arguably, the most unbelievable came when he lined up off the ball inside and completely destroyed center John Michael Schmitz. 1. Darius slays Veteran wide receiver Darius Slayton electrified Sunday's crowd early in practice, hauling in a dazzling one-handed catch along the sideline. Not only was he able to secure the ball, but he got both feet in bounds for the big gain off the arm of Russell Wilson. This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Giants training camp: Top 5 plays from Week 1
Yahoo
6 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Liverpool's BIGGEST transfer decision that Richard Hughes needs to get right
Liverpool are constantly evaluating their plans and nothing if ever really set in stone. In modern football, you have to be adaptable and the club will want all of their bases covered. LFC Kits Shop Now LFC x New Era Shop Now LFC Signed Merch Shop Now LFC x Titleist Shop Now Positions of need have been addressed this summer, notably left-back, right-back and striker, in addition to bringing in a promising goalkeeper who can push Alisson over the next few years. But each of the decisions you make in the transfer market have a direct influence on the prospects of your academy talents, making it harder or easier for them to eventually get a chance in the first-team. When an extraordinary talent comes around, you have to make sure to not block their pathway. Ngumoha needs a chance in Arne Slot's side this season In 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha, Liverpool have a potential generational player, who is already delivering at levels far beyond his age. Pre-season has fans incredibly excited about what he could become. Playing at left-wing, the teenager is comfortable taking on his man and creating his own space in tight offensive situations. These are the type of attributes that give you goosebumps as an onlooker. Liverpool need to have different dynamics in the side and a piece of individual brilliance can sometimes be enough to crack open a game. Ngumoha is very much capable of delivering that. Of course, he is still incredibly young and his game will need to mature before he gets a real crack at breaking into the first team, but you feel his raw talent can make a difference for us already.
Yahoo
6 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Report – Cagliari Pushing To Sign Inter Milan Striker In €7M Deal
Cagliari are pushing to sign Inter Milan striker Sebastiano Esposito in a deal worth €7 million. This according to Italian broadcaster SportItalia, via FCInterNews. Sebastiano Esposito is currently part of Inter Milan's senior squad once again. The Italy Under-21 striker had spent last season on loan with Empoli. However, that loan deal came to an end, and the Tuscans did not sign him on a permanent basis. Therefore, Sebastianio Esposito travelled with the Inter squad to the United States for the Club World Cup. He appeared in all four of their matches at the tournament, starting two. Cagliari Pushing To Sign Inter Striker Sebastiano Esposito In €7M Deal EMPOLI, ITALY – NOVEMBER 25: Sebastiano Esposito of Empoli FC greets the fans after during the Serie A match between Empoli and Udinese at Stadio Carlo Castellani on November 25, 2024 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by) It looks like virtually a foregone conclusion that Sebastiano Esposito will leave Inter this summer, however. And there have been a few clubs to show an interest in the 23-year-old. Fiorentina have chased Esposito throughout the last few weeks. Meanwhile, Inter are reportedly considering including the young striker in a cash-plus-player offer to Parma for defender Giovanni Leoni. According to SportItalia, though, Cagliari are now the team really pushing to sign Esposito. The broadcaster anticipates that the Sardinian team could bring the 23-year-old in for a fee of around €7 million.
