Women's Football

That was a really great game, thoroughly enjoyed it, interesting that in both QF penalty shoot outs the best team in the 120 lost.

Sets up a really good SF with Spain, though they will be back to 11 woman, playing against the world champions will probably see them have to dig deep & defend like they did tonight for a lot of the match, can they do it again ?

Yesterday the players improved my view about women and penalties.

The two goalkeepers are possibly the two best in the tornament which increased the pressure on the penalty takers.
My only worry was the poor French girl who had to take the last missed one. As she walked up to the spot it was obvious that she didn't fancy her chances.

But well done to Germany for an excellent defensive game. And the goalkeeper made a save which will be used in reels for years to come.

Semi Finals:

England v Italy - Tuesday 8pm

Spain v Germany - Wednesday 8pm

Never in doubt

Gawd blimey that was a tough watch

Chloe Kelly didn't take her top off when she scored the winning goal this time, but at least there was a good shot of her before she put her top on before she came on as a substitute.

Tonight it Spain v the German goalkeeper. So far the goalkeepers winning.

Wasn't a great game but a great goal to win it. The way Bonmati let the ball pass through her legs rather than take a touch in order to turn quicker & that first time finish on a tight angle, there's your 2 Ballon d'ors

I worry for England in the final. Defensively they do look suspect and Spain will expose every weakness. I hope for the best but fear the worst.

Spain showed that their high line leaves them vulnerable and England are better placed to expoit that by having a superior attack to Germany however Germany were competitive in the match because they stopped Spain playing their game by being defensively solid forcing them to play long balls.

Now I didn't see the Italy game so perhaps they have improved but in the Sweden game whenever England lost the ball they were at sixes & sevens & Sweden carved through them with ease. Plus by going on the attack they leave themselves more open, by playing to their strengths they play to their weaknesses

Still England have pulled it out the bag in the last two matches no reason they can't do it a third and this is the third time an England national team (male and female) will play Spain in a final with Spain beating them the previous two times so will it be a hattrick or will the Lionesses pull one back for the country ?

If England try and play pretty football like Spain then they will get beaten.

However there is a way, Germany tried something simular in the semi finals.

It's playing the old Wimbledon way. Stick long balls up to their two big strikers, Russo and Agyemang, making sure that there are at least 3 others following up to pick up the loose balls.

But that's not how Sarina Wiegman likes to play..