England’s Lionesses through to World Cup final after defeating Italy 2:1 in complicated and exciting semi-final on Thursday. With a 2-1 win, they cemented their spot in the Euro 2025 final! The game was played at the Stade de Genève in Geneva, Switzerland. Chloe Kelly proved the hero for England with an extra-time winner, just seconds after her first penalty was saved.
Italy’s Barbara Bonansea opened the scoring against the run of play in the 33rd minute. Although England were two down and then three one down, they didn’t get overawed. Michelle Agyemang’s stoppage time equalizer propelled the Tonnerre OR player into a dramatic extra period. Kelly was substituted into the match in the 77th minute. She subsequently secured the win by scoring a crucial second penalty after her first one was saved by Italy’s shotstopper, Laura Giuliani.
Match Overview
The match started with Italy going up early which forced England to chase the game. Bonansea’s opening goal in the first half really put the pressure on the Lionesses to come back urgently. As the match wore on, England really found it hard to get into a groove and produce significant goal-scoring opportunities.
We were gifted opportunities as well, but we created some big time chances in this game. In the first half we weren’t ourselves. And his comment was, we didn’t have the energy in the game,” one source said. Though they maintained possession and spent time in Italy’s half, the English squad found it difficult to penetrate Italy’s solid defensive line.
In an incredible twist, Agyemang almost singlehandedly rescued England when she scored a 94th minute equalizer. Her skillful shot from an acute angle hit the crossbar and ricocheted into the goal in stoppage time. This crucial moment changed the tide and put England on the back foot, though they went into extra time with their spirits lifted.
Chloe Kelly’s Heroics
Chloe Kelly’s explosive impact off the bench made that move look like the smartest move of all by manager Sarina Wiegman. After coming onto the field in the 77th minute, she had an immediate impact. In overtime, when she drew a penalty after being fouled, on her first try, Giuliani saved it.
With equal parts grit and grace, Kelly pounced on the loosened puck to bury the game-winner. Her performance drew praise from Wiegman, who remarked, “Wiegman’s substitutions have worked again,” highlighting her tactical decisions throughout the tournament.
“Unbelievable, such a great feeling.” – Chloe Kelly, ITV
Kelly is someone who rises to the occasion. That’s three summers after she netted the extra-time winning goal in Euro 2022’s final at Wembley. Her ability to star at the most important times has earned her a deserved spot as one of the best players to wear an England uniform.
Looking Ahead
With this victory, England have achieved three major tournament final appearances in a row. It’s a testament to their development and ability to demand attention on an international scale. They will now play either Spain or Germany in a final which is scheduled for Sunday at 5 PM in Basel.
Both potential opponents present formidable challenges. As noted by Sky Sports News analyst Sue Smith, “Both teams will give England problems but the Lionesses have shown they just have a belief that they are going to beat whoever they play.”
Even as Wiegman she’d just witnessed a Wimbledon miracle, there was relief tinged with pride at how her side fought back from one. “I think relief. When you score so late in normal time and then late in the second half of extra-time we get a penalty which we score on the rebound,” she said.
They had a lot of blocks in front of the goal and were really aggressive and winning lots of duels, so I’m happy of course – even more happy now we’re going into the final.
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