Latest news with #SarinaWiegman
Malay Mail
11 minutes ago
- Sport
- Malay Mail
Late Chloe Kelly goal sends England into Women's Euro final after dramatic comeback against Italy
GENEVA, July 23 — England coach Sarina Wiegman said she felt 'many emotions' after her team produced another dramatic comeback to beat Italy in extra time yesterday and reach the final of the Women's Euro 2025. 'I have many emotions again. I feel relief, I feel happy—it feels a bit surreal but we are here and we are going to the final,' Wiegman said following the 2-1 win in Geneva, secured thanks to a Chloe Kelly goal in the 119th minute. Italy were seconds away from a shock victory over the defending champions and a place in the final as they led deep into injury time thanks to Barbara Bonansea's 33rd-minute goal. But substitute Michelle Agyemang equalised for England in the sixth minute of stoppage time to force the extra period, before Kelly—who had also come off the bench—followed in to score the deciding goal after her penalty had been saved, just as another shoot-out loomed. 'It does feel like a movie. When it finishes like that I am enjoying it but it was a little bit dramatic,' smiled Wiegman. Her team had already produced a stunning comeback against Sweden in the quarter-finals, when they trailed 2-0 before two goals by Lucy Bronze and Agyemang in the space of three minutes late on forced extra time and they eventually advanced on penalties. 'We know with the players we have in the squad that we can always score more because we have shown that multiple times,' Wiegman added. 'At the end we did it and then we got extra time, and then we got the penalty. We were a bit lucky to score it in the second stage but we are through.' • Three in a row England, who saw winger Lauren James come off at half-time with an ankle injury, will now go to Basel for the final on Sunday against either Spain or Germany—they meet in their last-four clash on Wednesday. It will be a third consecutive major tournament final for the Lionesses, who beat Germany in extra time in the Euro 2022 final at Wembley and then lost to Spain in the deciding game at the following year's World Cup in Sydney. 'That is what happens when a great team comes together and makes things happen—three consecutive finals playing under an unbelievable manager in Sarina,' said Kelly, the Arsenal forward who got the winner in the 2022 Euro final. 'It is incredible to be part of this special team. I am so proud.' She added: 'I can't believe what has just happened. The belief in the squad, the resilience and the togetherness in this group is just so special.' Meanwhile, Italy coach Andrea Soncin said he was proud of his team despite the agony of seeing the Azzurre fall just short of reaching a first final since the 1997 Euros. 'It hurts but we are very proud for all that we have done,' said Soncin, who took charge of the team in 2023 and is now eyeing the 2027 World Cup. 'The fact we were just a minute away from the final can be encouraging for us. 'We will need a few days to get over this bitter moment but we will keep growing, and our future goal is to go to the World Cup in Brazil so we are already looking forward.' — AFP
The Independent
12 minutes ago
- Sport
- The Independent
When is the Women's Euro 2025 final? Kick-off time and TV channel
England will get their shot at back-to-back European titles after clawing their way to the Euro 2025 final in Switzerland. Sarina Wiegman 's side produced another miraculous comeback in their last four clash against Italy, with Michelle Agyemang's 96th-minute equaliser saving the Lionesses on the brink of elimination. Chloe Kelly then tucked home her penalty rebound in the dying stages of extra time to book England's place in the final, where they will hope to emulate their Wembley heroics of Euro 2022. Kelly was the hero then, too, scoring the extra time winner in a 2-1 triumph over Germany. They'll find out their opponents on Wednesday evening when world champions Spain take on eight-time European champions Germany in the second semi-final in Switzerland. Spain are looking to follow their World Cup triumph two years ago by winning the Euros for the first time, having yet to even reach a final, while Germany are looking to add a record-extending ninth title, but first in 13 years, after defeat to the Lionesses three years ago. Here's everything you need to know about the Euro 2025 final. When is the Euro 2025 final? The Euro 2025 final will take place on Sunday 27 July in at St Jakob Park, Basel. While kick-off times for the quarter-finals and semi-finals were 8pm, the final will start at 5pm BST (UK time). What TV channel is it on? Viewers will have a choice between BBC One and ITV 1, with both channels providing live coverage of the final. List of previous Euros winners 2022 - England (2-1 a.e.t vs Germany) 2017 - Netherlands (4-2 vs Denmark) 2013 - Germany (1-0 vs Norway) 2009 - Germany (6-2 vs England) 2005 - Germany (3-1 vs Norway) 2001 - Germany (1-0 g.g. vs Sweden) 1997 - Germany (2-0 vs Italy) 1995 - Germany (3-2 vs Sweden) 1993 - Norway (1-0 vs Italy) 1991 - Germany (3-1 a.e.t. vs Norway) 1989 - West Germany (4-1 vs Norway) 1987 - Norway (2-1 vs Sweden) 1984 - Sweden (1-1 vs England, 4-3 on penalties) Euro 2025 route to final
BBC News
12 minutes ago
- Sport
- BBC News
'Is this a movie?' - England overcome odds to reach final
There is a saying that "cats have nine lives" - but the Lionesses seem to have an infinite number at Euro were written off following a poor opening-game defeat by France, they stepped up in a must-win match against the Netherlands, came from 2-0 down in their quarter-final victory over Sweden and made it through a penalty shootout where they had four spot-kicks then, seemingly down and out with seconds left in their semi-final with Italy, they turned things around to seal a 2-1 win in extra time to book their place in a third straight major was chaotic, everything was dramatic and everything was, typically, late."We're going to make a movie some day! Well, this is a movie, my goodness, it's unbelievable," manager Sarina Wiegman told BBC Radio 5 Live. Retirements and withdrawals overshadow build-up England's resilience and their ability to overcome adversity have been recurring themes on their route to the Euro 2025 before arriving in Switzerland they had to deal with all the talk should have been about the Lionesses' defence of their European title and how they would get out of a difficult group, it was distractions off the pitch that dominated Wiegman's squad announcement on 5 June, she had two senior international retirements and the withdrawal of her World Cup captain to contend Mary Earps announced her shock retirement on 27 May, midfielder Fran Kirby followed suit a week later, and on the eve of Wiegman's squad announcement, Millie Bright made herself unavailable for selection for the Euros, saying she is unable to "give 100% mentally or physically".There was a combined 217 caps between the three and Wiegman had to insist there was "no crisis" heading into the tournament despite the unsettling there was enough experience was questioned - Hannah Hampton was the only capped goalkeeper in the squad, while two senior leaders in Earps and Bright were not travelling to Switzerland."It's a challenging period for the group," England record goalscorer Ellen White told BBC Radio 5 Live before the tournament. A rollercoaster group campaign Getting out of the group stage was always going to be easier said than heavyweights France and 2017 winners the Netherlands among England's opponents, optimism was would need to get off to a strong start against France - but it did not go to plan.A 2-1 defeat at Stadion Letzigrund followed as England's leaky defence was exposed in brutal were outpaced and outplayed as the Lionesses became the first reigning champions to lose their first game at the following tournament of a women's the game, Wiegman said her side were "bullied all over the pitch" and "looked like we've never played together". But when the pressure was on, England they lost to the Netherlands, their tournament would have been over, but instead they kept their Euro 2025 hopes alive with an impressive 4-0 win over the James starred and scored twice, with Georgia Stanway and Ella Toone also on the scoresheet as Wiegman's tactical tweaks paid days later, England got the confidence-booster they needed and secured their quarter-final spot with an emphatic 6-1 victory win over Wales."There have been many days this tournament where we could have been going home," Georgia Stanway said after the match. "To be staying a few more days is something we can be proud of." Comeback queens against the Swedes Finishing second in Group D meant England faced Sweden in the quarter-finals, avoiding old rivals Germany and going into the opposite side of the draw to 2023 World Cup winners that was a good thing?But Sweden were the in-form team, winning all three of their group games and conceding only once along the way - less than any other 25 minutes, England were 2-0 down and on the ropes. Experienced defender Lucy Bronze and 19-year-old forward Michelle Agyemang both scored in the final 11 minutes to force extra time in Zurich.A breathtaking penalty shootout followed - with Sweden twice failing to convert when it would have sealed victory for them - and England limped over the line to complete the comeback."At least three times I thought we were out," Wiegman said after the game."I don't know why, but this team is just incredible. They stick together. They do whatever is necessary to turn around a result like we did. "It is so impressive and I'm just really proud to be a part of this team." Squad rallies after racial abuse Two days before England's Euro 2025 semi-final, defender Jess Carter revealed she had been the target of racist abuse during the tournament, overshadowing the build-up to the Lionesses released a joint statement and said they would stop the anti-racism gesture of taking a knee before matches "to find another way to tackle racism".The head of football's international anti-discrimination body, Fare, questioned England's decision to stop performing what it considers a "powerful anti-racist act", but Wiegman backed her players' choice, saying the "impact was not good enough".Wiegman left Carter out of the starting XI - her first change in four matches - with Esme Morgan slotting was named as a substitute and sections of the crowd at Stade de Geneve sang her name and applauded in the 16th minute in support. A fantasy movie - the Italian job But England's biggest scare came in Tuesday's semi-final win over opponents were the underdogs - sitting eight places below England in the world rankings, and competing in their first semi-final since were seeking a third straight final and Wiegman was hoping to reach a fifth successive major final as manager. However, Italy did not read the script as they took a shock lead in Geneva through Barbara Bonansea in the first half. England looked out of ideas and only Hampton's double save prevented it from becoming 2-0 late on. And then Wiegman's substitutes worked their magic yet again - Agyemang scoring a stoppage-time equaliser, before Kelly hit the winner in described it as a movie and, if this was one, Kelly said it would be a fantasy - something you could not make up and something that was was one of the coolest heads in Stade de Geneve even after she sliced a corner straight into the side-netting deep in stoppage time and then saw her penalty she reacted quicker than anyone else, sprinting to poke the rebound over the line, beating team-mate Ella Toone to the ball, before gesturing to the crowd to "chill out" with her had it covered all matchwinner in the 119th minute was the latest goal scored at a women's Agyemang's equaliser at 95:01 minutes, was England's latest goal on record in normal time of a Euros."I thought in the 88th minute 'we do have to score now otherwise we'll have a problem and we'll have to fly home tomorrow'," said Wiegman."Then I saw we had seven minutes [of stoppage time] and we had time to create another chance. The clock kept ticking and we had to keep going. The team never gives up."Having made it this far, England believe they can jump the final will be world champions Spain or Euro 2022 runners-up Germany up next - but this is England."Getting to three major finals in a row and getting to the Euros final again shows what this team is made of. We fight to the end," said defender Bronze."It probably wasn't our best performance again but it just shows the fight that we have and the talent that we have got. It was a rollercoaster of emotions."
The Independent
42 minutes ago
- Sport
- The Independent
Chloe Kelly reacts to chaotic England comeback to secure place in Euro 2025 final
Match-winner Chloe Kelly says England's last-gasp comeback win over Italy was nothing more than the Lionesses deserved as they booked their place in the Euro 2025 final. Kelly missed her 119th-minute penalty but tucked home the rebound as England overcame Le Azzurre 2-1, having been just seconds away from being knocked out in normal time. Sarina Wiegman 's side did it the hard way once again, breaking Italian hearts after such a resilient defensive performance. "Unbelievable, such a great feeling," Kelly said. "This team deserves nothing but that. Three finals on the bounce and we want more. This is an unbelievable feeling. 'This team shows resilience again and we fight back. Hopefully we can make it a little bit easier for ourselves and don't need that panic. 'We have hope, we have belief and we have the quality. We just need to keep at it and keep working hard in training to make sure we're ready for next weekend.' Kelly became the latest in Euro 2025 to fall foul of a missed penalty, with Laura Giuliani diving the right way to save. However, it didn't matter as Kelly pounced on the rebound, winning it for England and keeping their hopes of defending their European crown alive. 'It wasn't supposed to go like that, that penalty," she said. "I was ready for the rebound and ready for any opportunity given to me wearing an England badge. "I was confident but the goalkeeper had done her homework. Luckily I got there for the tap in." Kelly was not the only super-sub for Wiegman, who also brought on teenage sensation Michelle Agyemang with 12 minutes to play in a desperate bid to find an equaliser. The move paid off, with Agyemang finishing from a goal-mouth scramble in the 96th minute to force extra time. She nearly won the game herself, hitting the crossbar in extra time with an audacious volleyed lob. 'She is unbelievable," Kelly said. "She should have scored again, that one that hit the crossbar. "She's an unbelievable player and she's got the world at her feet. A young player with a bright future and I'm buzzing for her. England will now have the chance to defend their European crown when they face either Germany or Spain on Sunday.
The Independent
42 minutes ago
- Sport
- The Independent
Ian Wright demands one England change for Women's Euro 2025 final
Ian Wright insists England's improbable habit of producing stunning comebacks at major tournaments cannot continue and that a change is needed before Sunday's Women's Euro 2025 final. The Lionesses were seconds away from elimination against Italy before Michelle Agyemang struck an equaliser in the 96th minute of regular time. Chloe Kelly 's extra-time rebound in the 119th minute, following her saved penalty, completed the turnaround, but Wright is adamant Sarina Wiegman must inspire a faster start from her group against the winner of Wednesday's Germany v Spain semi-final. "You can't continue to rely on that," Wright said. "Six semi-finals, three finals on the spin. At some stage, the luck will run out. We need to start better and get a foothold in the game. "The thing is, if it's Germany, very physical and direct, it won't suit us. Spain, they play a more technical game, it might suit us more. I'm not sure about Plan A and Plan B, we're in a final. "But we need to start games better. We take too long to start games, we need to get into that, how we can get into our stride quicker." Former Lioness Karen Carney agreed with Wright, admitting she is concerned by fatigue across the pitch. "Sarina doesn't make many changes, but we saw tiredness today. Freshness is important," said Carney. "She has to look at her squad, rip it up, we need freshness to start the game. "Plan A isn't working, Plan B is magnificent, we have to make changes." Wiegman admitted "relief" was her reaction to another gripping Lionesses contest. "We had some serious challenges in this game," said the England boss. "We had the ball more, but we didn't create. Second half we did better, but they defended well. They had a lot of blocks, really aggressive, winning lots of duels. Even more happy to be in the final. "I think, of course, we did better in the second half, we always have the opportunity to have fresh players again, more opportunities, more players up front, it was a war, to get hold of the ball, they just did very well. "Yes, she (Kelly) thrives in these moments, excited when she comes in. It's the third time she (Agyemang) scores a goal, that ball on the crossbar, a very good action, what a talent. "We've seen so many different things now, we never give up, we can win by any means, we were a bit lucky against Sweden. We're going for that goal, but we take risks, this team keeps going and never gives up."
