For the first time since 1984 England’s women have reached the final of the European Championship. Hope Powell’s side dominated the game and fully deserved their victory but were made to work hard for it by their Dutch opponents.
England started like a team on a mission and unsurprisingly it was Kelly Smith who came to the fore, tormenting the Dutch defense with a series of dribbles that demonstrated just why she is considered to be one of the best players in the women’s game.
With no goals in the first half it was relief when England started the scoring. The breakthrough arrived just after the hour when Eniola Aluko stole the ball on the edge of the area and drove towards goal before laying the ball back perfectly for Kelly Smith. The former Arsenal striker never looked likely to miss and duly drove the ball into the far corner.
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Yet England then allowed their concentration to slip, conceding a soft equaliser just three minutes later. Manon Melis was given far too much time to measure a cross into the box and Pieete swept the ball home, giving Rachel Brown no chance.
As soon as they equalised the Netherlands were content to sit back and allow England to attack, but Hope Powell’s side were unable to make their pressure count as the game went to extra-time.
England should undoubtedly have been ahead four minutes into the first extra period when Karen Carney raced to the byline and pulled the ball back for Lianne Sanderson, who could only hit the bar from just six yards out.
It was all England by this point, and the decisive goal they fully merited came with just five minutes to go thanks to Jill Scott. The Everton midfielder had looked dangerous from set pieces throughout the game and rose highest to meet Carney’s corner and plant her header into the corner to spark scenes of delirious celebrations, both on the pitch and the touchline.
England will play either Germany or Norway in Thursday’s Final.
Danielle Sellwood, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine
