England Women made history last night, winning their first knock out match in a World Cup tournament, with a superb strike by Lucy Bronze securing their place in the quarter-finals.
The Lionesses faced a tough test in their last 16 match, playing a strong and talented Norwegian side. The game had been eagerly anticipated, with the Norwegian press increasing the stakes with teasing headlines. Other than the good vein of form which Norway were in, England faced another major difficulty. Temperatures in Ottawa were high, and on pitch level they were even higher due to the artificial surface. The first half saw the players having to deal with 45 Celsius heat.
England started poorly, failing to keep the ball or engineer any sort of chance. Norway looked the better team and enjoyed possession. They also came close to scoring a few times, with England keeper Karen Bardsley preventing attempts from Isabell Herlovsen and Ada Hegerberg from hitting the back of the net. Indeed it can be argued that England were lucky to go into half time on equal terms.
However, much of the same disappointing play at the start of the second half saw Solveig Gulbrandsen flick a header into the England goal from a corner. Norway deserved this 54th minute goal. Something had to change for England.
Attacking midfielder Jill Scott had been brought on, and Katie Chapman asked to play further up the field in order to stop England playing so defensively. This seemed to make a difference. 6 minutes on from Norway’s goal, Captain Steph Houghton stepped up to mark and headed in a crucial goal to make the game 1-1.
From then on, the Lionesses seemed a completely different side, and were now very much on the front foot. Jill Scott seemed an inspired substitute, bringing energy and creativity to the England side. Indeed, she played an important role in the winning goal in the 76th minute. A series of passes between her and Jodie Taylor around the penalty box resulted in the ball being laid off to Lucy Bronze. Bronze did not hesitate and smashed the ball into the top right corner of the Norwegian goal, in what was an absolutely stunning strike.
Despite having conceded a late goal in two of their group stage games, England took no chances in the remaining minutes of the game, keeping possession as much as possible. The final whistle saw jubilant celebrations from the Lionesses as they booked their place in the quarter-final.
England will now go to Vancouver to play hosts Canada in what should be a thrilling match. Canada will have the home advantage, but England can only grow in confidence after their win over Norway.
Nancy Gillen
Lucy Bronze picture – expressandstar.com