Euro 2013: England Women 2-3 Spain Women

A late goal in stoppage time meant England women were left disappointed in their opening group game against Spain.

picture: UEFA.com

An own goal from goalkeeper Karen Bardsley late on meant that England’s lionesses began their European campaign with a 3-2 defeat in Linkoping.

England had thought they had salvaged a draw as Laura Bassett and Eniola Aluka had cancelled out Spanish goals from Veronica Boquete and Jennifer Hermoso. 

The game got off to a flyer as the Spanish typically dominated possession leading them to score the opening goal.

With four minutes on the clock, the ball fell to Sonia whose through ball to Boquete who slid the ball past the advancing Bardsley.

Despite the set back, England hit back immediately as well timed ball from Jill Scott found Eniola Aluko who finished well in the bottom corner.

England could have been leading moments later as Fara Williams 25 yard effort was brilliantly tipped over by Spain’s keeper Tirapu Ainhoa

The game began to calm down after the frantic start with either sides canceling each other with little being created.

The game sprung to life again just before half time as Karen Bardsley did well to tip a Sonia shot round the post before Ellen White was denied well by a last ditch tackle from Parades.  

The second half began at a slow pace with both teams once again finding it difficult to break each other down.

Spain’s number ten saw a snap shot go wide, while at the other end, Rachel Yankey’s effort was well blocked by a Spanish defender. 

The game did begin to liven up with 15 minutes remaining as a misjudgment by Bardsley saw the ball loop over the keeper who could only watch as Vicky Losada somehow hit the crossbar from three yards out. 

With only five minutes to go, the game looked like it would end level, however after England failed to clear from a corner, Jennifer Hermoso slammed the ball home.

Again just like in the first half, England hit back straight away, as a well worked corner saw Laura Bassett scoop the ball home after receiving an Anita Asante header.

With only seconds left, Spain crossed the ball from the left which struck the unfortunate Bardsley who could only watch helplessly as the ball rolled into the net. 

Line ups:

England: Bardsley, A. Scott, Stoney, Bassett, Houghton, Williams, J. Scott, Asante, Yankey (Clarke 90') Aluko (Carney 73') E. White

Spain: Ainhoa, Garcia, Torrejon, Paredes, Bermudez (Putellas 74') Meseguer, Ibarra, Hermoso, Boquete, Martin, Calderon (Losada 61')

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