An extra time penalty from Fara Williams saw England claim third place in their most successful Women’s World Cup to date and, in the process, provided them with their first ever victory over the team ranked number one in the world, Germany.
A cagey first half saw little clear cut chances for either side and possession split straight down the middle as both teams fought it out to be the top European outfit in this year’s tournament.
Germany however nearly opened the scoring early in the second 45, as Sara Dabritz first time effort needed an excellent save from England’s Karen Bardsley. Jill Scott then had a golden opportunity for the Lionesses after some neat passing play saw Eniola Aluko feed the ball to the Manchester City midfielder who took one too many touches as she struggled to get the ball out from under her feet to shoot. Karen Carney kept the move alive crossing in from the right at the back post but Scott again just fell short of turning the ball in for that all important first goal.
The game needed an extra half an hour to be decided and a slice of luck for England as Tabea Kemme was adjudged to have pulled down substitute Lianne Sanderson in the box and a spot kick was given. The ever reliable Williams stepped up and coolly slotted the ball in to the bottom left corner to break the deadlock.
Germany then should have leveled as Bianca Schmidt was left unmarked in the box as a dangerous cross was drilled in the but the defender’s stooping header was glanced wide and England held on for a historic victory over the Germans at the 21st time of asking.
Player ratings
Karen Bardsley 8
Arguably Bardsley best performance between the sticks for England in this World Cup came exactly when it was needed, against a fierce Germany side who finished top goal scorers in the tournament.
After a less than ideal preparation for the competition, following a three match ban for club Manchester City, Bardsley came up with the goods and pulled off some impressive saves against a quality Germany attack.
Steph Houghton (C) 7
Leading by example Houghton’s passion kept the Lionesses full of belief and determination until the final whistle. Possibly should have done better with a chance earlier in the game following some good work from Bronze but her goal-line clearance to deny another certain own goal kept her side in this third placed play-off.
Laura Bassett 8
There was no doubt in anyone’s mind that the devastating own goal against Japan would make this Notts County defender a better and stronger player and she proved us all right with a rock solid performance at the back against Germany. Fighting in the air and putting in crucial blocks until the dying minutes Bassett was thoroughly deserved of that medal come full time.
Jo Potter 5
Making up a strong back four, Potter did her bit in this victory but was lucky not to score in the wrong net following some poor miscommunication with goalkeeper Bardsley in the first half.
Lucy Bronze 6
Quality at the back and going forward, Bronze often impressed from wide positions and put in some dangerous crosses which England, at times, were unlucky not to capitalise on.
Jill Scott 6
Produced a commanding performance and was crucial in winning the aerial battles but sometimes went missing and really should have done better with her chance in the second half.
Fara Williams 9
PLAYER OF THE MATCH – The unsung heroine of the England team, Williams rallied her side and constantly put them on the attack with her pin point passes and intricate cross field balls. Her cool head can also be relied on for penalties and the Liverpool midfielder did not disappoint again. An England veteran, it was a privilege to watch this most capped player pick up her historic medal.
Katie Chapman 7
Solid as ever and fierce in the challenge, Chapman was hand to thwart many a German attack. Kept a good hand on Celia Sasic and other danger players all game.
Alex Greenwood 6
Made a few important clearances from corners and seemed alert all game to Germany’s set-piece threat. Not necessarily a memorable individual performance, but her team contribution was invaluable.
Ellen White 4
White was lost a bit in the first half and never really troubled the German defence with the pace we know she has in abundance. Disappointing performance but to her credit did lack the service early on in all fairness.
Karen Carney 6
A quiet first half saw Carney struggle to get in to the game but the addition of Eni Aluko seemed to spark the Birmingham city player to life as the two forwards linked up well. A great cross at the back post from Carney should have set up Scott for the opening goal in normal time.
Substitutes
Eniola Aluko 8
Lianne Sanderson 6
Casey Stoney 5
