European Women’s Championship: England beat Sweden 4-0 in the semi-finals

Goalkeeper tunnel with stub heel: English Russo with a dream goal against Sweden(00:23)

Even before that, the European Championships were going to the taste of the English ladies. They almost made it to the group stage – with three wins and 14-0 goals. In the quarter-finals, the strong Spaniards forced them into overtime. Combat 2: 1 do moral good. And now this too: a home match in the semi-finals, with Wembley in mind, the place English football craves. This can also mean stage fright, nervousness, and stress.

But the English women put up with all this. They beat the Swedes 4-0 and entered the final. Only Germany or France can still prevent them from winning the European title.

The highlight of the match was Alicia Russo’s 3-0 lead: she tricked Sweden goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl with a heel trick in the legs. Simply wonderful. When Francesca Kirby made it 4-0, Lindahl slipped the ball through her fingers.

Swedes are better at first

Anyone who thinks that an English woman can do everything like this is wrong. The Swedes have been strong competitors for a long time – even better at first. After 20 seconds, Sophia Jacobson is alone in front of the English Marie Earps and forces her to defend her feet perfectly. Nine minutes later, Stina Blackstenius hit the crossbar. One or two good passes, fast in depth – and Sweden is really dangerous.

34 minutes later, the English women are on the right track: Beth Mead scores a goal to top the list. Since then, England has acquired a sense of style.

After the break, the preliminary decision was made: Lucy Bronze leads 2-0 – the goal also escaped an offside check by VAR Esther Stubley. By the way, the Swiss woman was in control of everything that evening and was barely noticeable.

The Three Lionesses do it more than ever. (Ill)