In front of a record-breaking home crowd, England defeated Germany 2-1 in the Women’s European Championship final on Sunday, with a goal from striker Chloe Kelly in extra time giving them their first-ever major victory.
In the second phase of extra time, substitute Kelly was the first to respond to a loose ball from a corner, giving her team the victory and exacting revenge on Germany for their humiliation in the 2009 Euro final in Helsinki.
Sarina Wiegman, the manager of England, became the first person to win the Euros with two separate countries after inspiring her native Netherlands to victory in 2017. Since she was named England’s manager in September of last year, the team has gone undefeated.
“I’m crying nonstop right now. We discussed it for a long time before completing it. The kids, it turns out, are fine. My life’s proudest moment is right now “Leah Williamson, the captain of England, said this onsite.
“Listen, the social shift is the tournament’s lasting legacy. This team’s legacy is one of victory, and that has been its journey. I adore each and every one of you, and I’m so happy to be English. I’m making a lot of effort not to swear.”
In the 62nd minute, England’s Ella Toone opened the score in front of a sold-out crowd at Wembley Stadium, setting a record for the largest crowd ever to watch a men’s or women’s UEFA competition.
In order to force extra time, substitute Lina Magull drew Germany back into the game, but Kelly came up big to win it for England and excite the home crowd.
In the warm-up, Germany was dealt a setback when striker Alexandra Popp, who had six goals in five games in her first Euros, had to leave the lineup due to a muscle injury and be replaced by Lea Schuller.
Although Martina Voss-team Tecklenburg’s missed having Popp in the penalty area, the first half of the match was scoreless despite being very rough.
Shortly after the hour mark, Toone scored his first goal as a replacement with a lovely chipped finish.
But that was reversed 17 minutes later when Magull scored an equalizer from close range after the hosts had been pushed back by their opponents.
The game ended in a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes, forcing extra time. As the anticipation of Germany winning a record-extending eighth European Championship at the stadium where English football is played spread throughout the stadium.
That is, until Kelly, who had just moments earlier exhorted the audience to cheer the team on, reacted swiftly to score the winning goal and hand Germany its first loss in a major final.
“It seems not to be true. My brain is buzzing nonstop. The best moment of my life and career, in all honesty. I’m really honored to be a member of this team “said Toone.
Beth Mead of England was named Player of the Tournament for her six goals and five assists, which contributed to her team’s tournament-high 22 goals.
“I can’t even speak. I’m stunned. I just had a big cry with the family; without them, I wouldn’t be here “explained the 27-year-old.
“I love this squad and I love this country, and I am so, so proud of this team.”
