Football’s Coming Home
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Lucy Bronze’s unstoppable curling shot from outside the box was the difference between England and Norway in the last 16-game at the Women’s World Cup. That 2-1 victory made history, with England winning their first ever knock out game at a World Cup and booked a visit to Vancouver in the quarter-finals to take on the home side.
A slow start from England saw Norway dominate possession and create the majority of the chances in the first-half. In the 54th minute the dead lock was broken, thanks to the slightest of touches by Gulbrandsen, the Norway midfielder, from a corner that was flicked into the near post. That seemed to revitalise England as only seven minutes later the game was level again, another corner this time scored by Steph Houghton, the England captain, as she rose above the Norway defenders and placed the header into the far post.
The introduction of Jill Scott brought energy to the England side which they had previously lacked, as she won the corner that led to first England goal. Scott was again instrumental in the second goal, linking with fellow substitute Jodi Taylor to set-up right back Lucy Bronze to launch a stunning shot that the Norway goalkeeper was unable to stop. England then controlled the game with Norway seeing few chances to equalize. As the final whistle rang, history was made and the England players celebrated with the substitute’s bench invading the field to join the joyous celebrations.
The next game against Canada is going to be tough, with a crowd of over 50,000 expected to be in the stadium cheering on the hosts. England are expecting a hostile atmosphere but after the performance against Norway, the Lionesses will be full of confidence to take on the team managed by Englishman John Herdman.
Taking place Sunday morning 12:30am on BBC3 this is a game that will be worth staying up for.