Katie Chapman struck the only goal in this crunch World Cup qualifier at The Den.The win puts Hope Powell’s side level on points with their opponents at the top of Group 5, and sets them up nicely for the remainder of the campaign as only one side can qualify.
Both had a 100% record going into the contest, and the two games between the sides will have a crucial bearing on who makes Germany 2011.
Powell knew the significance of this first meeting, and was relieved to take home the spoils.
“Thank god that’s over! The first half we played very well, and it would have been nice to have scored more,” she said.
“They were the better side in the second half, technically very efficient as we know they would be, and pressed us very hard to get the equalizer.
“But we were resilient, stood our ground, and thankfully the whistle blew for us to get the three points as it was a tough second period.
“We always knew it would be one of those games where we would have to work hard for the win, and we certainly did that tonight.”
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England looked to assert their authority from the off, and should have taken the lead twelve minutes in.
Decent trickery on the right by Eniola Aluko saw the St Louis Athletica forward tee up Kelly Smith, but from ten yards, England’s player of the year fired inches wide of the keeper’s right-hand post.
The breakthrough came on the half-hour after Aluko successfully hurdled a couple of challenges to present Jess Clarke with acres on the right.
Clarke cut inside to find Chapman, and after turning her marker on the penalty spot, the Chicago Red Stars midfielder volleyed low past a helpless Ainhoa Tirapu in goal.
England began the second period brightly, and Rachel Yankey almost doubled their lead with a rasping 30-yard drive helped wide by Tirapu.
Rachel Brown did not have a save to make until the hour mark, but when called upon, held a curling effort from distance by Adriana Martin.
England were in control of this top-of-the-table clash, but with only a one-goal lead to show for their dominance, they had to be mindful not to let their concentration slip.
Staunch defending by Everton’s Jill Scott, bravely heading clear when the ball bounced favorably for Jose Perez six yards out, stopped a certain equalizer five minutes from time as the visitors pressed.
Late Spanish pressure almost cost the hosts two points, and Powell had her heart in her mouth when Martin curled a 30-yard free kick inches wide of Brown’s right upright.
The Spanish inquisition was too late, however, and despite the referee finding four minutes of injury time, Powell’s side hung on for the crucial three points.
For match-winner Chapman, the win continues the progress being made by our women’s team.
“The Euros last summer put us on the map, and people have started to take a bit more notice of us on the world stage.
“It was a real team performance where we worked hard together – and that’s what’s got us through.
Asked if victory puts England in the driving seat for qualification, Chapman replied:
“We’re not jumping the gun. The win’s important, but we have to prepare for Malta properly.
“It was very intense out there especially in the second half, and my heart skipped a beat at one point (the free kick).
It seemed like I had a long time to volley it, and it’s nice to score as I don’t score too many!”
Stats
England 1
(Chapman 30)
Spain 0
Referee: Christina Westrum 6/10
Attendance: 5,041
Match rating 2/5
Star player: Katie Chapman, England central midfielder
England:
(4-2-3-1): Brown 7, Alex Scott 7, Faye White 7, Stoney 7, Unitt 7, Chapman 8, Williams 7, Clarke 6, Kelly Smith 6 (Jill Scott 59 7), Yankey 7 (Sue Smith 84), Aluko 6 (Ellen White 69 6).
Subs not used: Bardsley, Susi, Bassett, Sanderson.
Spain: (4-4-2): Tirapu 6, Torrejon 6, Escribano 6, Garcia 6, Vesga 6, Boquete 7, Olabarrieta 5, Vilanova 6 (Meseguer 80), Ibarra 6 (Romero 74 6), Bermudez 5 (Perez 66 6), Martin.
Subs not used: Pons, Nicolau, Lopez, Vazquez.
Nick Grounds, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine
