Pakistan, July 19 -- England defeated Sweden 3-2 in a thrilling penalty shootout that included 14 kicks to advance to the Women's Euros semi-finals on Thursday. The reigning champions came from behind, trailing 2-0, before forcing the match into extra time.
It was an exciting conclusion to a match where England stood dangerously close to being eliminated, yet managed to secure a win against all odds.
In total, Sweden's goalkeeper Jennifer Falk saved four penalties, but she missed the crucial spot kick, sending it over the bar and giving England a chance they eagerly took. Lucy Bronze put the defending champions ahead, while Swedish teenager Smilla Holmberg saw her attempt fly over the crossbar, concluding the match.
Everything appeared quite different for the Swedish team as they surged into an early advantage, with Stina Blackstenius setting up captain Kosovare Asllani to net in the second minute after England squandered the ball recklessly, and Blackstenius subsequently outpaced Jess Carter to find the back of the net with a composed strike in the 25th minute.
The Swedish team appeared very at ease during the first half while England struggled.
After the break, coach Sarina Wiegman made substitutions, introducing Beth Mead, Michelle Agyemang, and Esme Morgan in the 70th minute, with Chloe Kelly coming on shortly after, bringing additional attacking energy.
Bronze scored a goal for England in the 79th minute, connecting with Kelly's cross and heading it in from a narrow angle, reigniting the enthusiasm of the white-clad spectators. Agyemang equalized two minutes later with an outstanding finish typical of a poacher, sending the match into extra time.
Each side had several opportunities during extra time, but the match went to a penalty shootout. Although the Swedish team missed their first kick, Falk's outstanding saves soon put them in a strong position.
She had the opportunity to win but kicked the ball high over the bar, and although she saved Grace Clinton's shot, Bronze defeated her from the penalty spot.
Following Sofia Jakobsson's missed opportunity, the pressure became too difficult for the 18-year-old Holmberg, who then shot over.
"Right now, I don't know, I don't know," said England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, who had a bloody nose during the match, when asked about her feelings following the exciting win. "It's all happened so fast, like that final moment in the penalty shootout, but we're definitely very happy, you can see all the celebrations happening around us." Wiegman let out a relieved sigh as the final whistle blew.
"It was challenging. One of the most difficult matches I've ever seen. Extremely moving. We had a chance to be eliminated four or five times throughout the game. When you're trailing 2-0 at half-time, it's not favorable," she said.
We began very poorly and then improved towards the end of the first half. In the second half, we continued to get better but failed to create any chances, so we had to alter our formation. Then we scored two goals, which was already incredible.
"Then we move to extra time, with some players getting injured and others experiencing cramps, Hannah Hampton covered in blood, followed by a penalty shootout where we miss several but they miss even more, and we advance," she added. England will play against Italy in Geneva on Tuesday for a spot in the final.
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