Home SPORTS EURO 2025: England Stun Sweden in Penalty Shootout Thriller

EURO 2025: England Stun Sweden in Penalty Shootout Thriller

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England women's team edges Sweden in a dramatic penalty shootout thriller to advance to the EURO 2025 semi-finals.


Reigning champions England secured a spot in the UEFA Women's European Championship semi-finals after a thrilling 3-2 penalty shootout victory over Sweden. The match, held at Zurich's Stadion Letzigrund, saw Sweden take the lead in the second minute. A deflection from Keira Walsh's attempted clearance off Filippa Angeldahl landed at Stina Blackstenius' feet, who then set up Kosovare Asllani to score past Hannah Hampton.


Key Highlights of the Match:

  • Sweden's Early Lead: Sweden capitalized on England's defensive lapse, with Asllani scoring the opening goal.
  • England's Comeback: England staged a comeback, equalizing the score and forcing the match into extra time, which ended goalless.
  • Penalty Shootout Drama: England won the penalty shootout 3-2, with their goalkeeper making crucial saves to seal the victory.

The win advances England to the semi-finals, while Sweden's 15-match unbeaten run came to an end. England's momentum and determination were key factors in their victory, showcasing their strength as reigning champions.


England, under Sarina Wiegman, appeared vulnerable in defense, nearly conceding a second goal after goalkeeper Hannah Hampton's error was thwarted by Leah Williamson's timely intervention, denying Stina Blackstenius. The match's intense start saw Lauren Hemp nearly equalize within the first 10 minutes with a long-range shot that Jennifer Falk parried onto the bar.


The match's intensity and defensive struggles starkly contrasted with England's earlier performances, where they dispatched Netherlands and Wales with flair. Sweden's second goal exemplified their clinical approach, as Julia Zigiotti Olme's precise through ball split the English defense, allowing Stina Blackstenius to capitalize with a composed finish past Hannah Hampton. This goal showcased Sweden's ability to exploit defensive vulnerabilities and posed a significant challenge for England.


England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton made a crucial save in the first half, denying Fridolina Rolfö's shot and keeping Sweden from extending their lead. After the break, England showed signs of a comeback, with Ella Toone narrowly avoiding offside and getting a shot off after Lauren Hemp's through ball, though it was saved by Jennifer Falk.




Lauren Hemp had a golden opportunity to cut the deficit when Lauren James found her with a precise pass, but the Manchester City forward headed wide from close range. England's defensive woes resurfaced soon after, as Kosovare Asllani's through ball threatened to expose the backline again, finding Stina Blackstenius. However, goalkeeper Hannah Hampton was alert and ready, preventing another Swedish goal.


Stina Blackstenius posed a constant threat to England's defense, using her physical presence to trouble the Lionesses and create opportunities. Her hold-up play set up Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, who sent a long-range shot just over the bar. Despite Sweden's pressure, it was England who scored next, with a surprising player finding the net.



A stunning comeback unfolded as Lucy Bronze headed home a beautiful cross from Chloe Kelly, sending the ball into the net. The dramatic turn of events continued two minutes later when Kelly's cross created chaos in the box, ultimately finding Michelle Agyemang, who slotted the ball home to complete the remarkable turnaround.


Madelen Janogy threatened to restore Sweden's lead after some questionable England defending, but goalkeeper Hannah Hampton made a crucial save to parry the ball to safety. The momentum had swung decisively in England's favor, and they nearly capitalized in stoppage time when Agyemang set up Russo, whose shot was deflected for a corner kick, keeping the score level and sending the match into extra time.


England had to contend with Sweden's aerial threat, particularly evident when Nathalie Björn headed wide from a set piece delivered by Angeldahl. The match wore on the Lionesses, with Leah Williamson succumbing to injury and being replaced by Niamh Charles. Despite the physical toll, Charles made a crucial intervention, heading away a cross from Amanda Nilden that threatened to find Lina Hurtig. England's chances of winning in regular time slipped away as Alessia Russo's attempt in stoppage time failed to find its mark, sending the match to penalties.



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