England overcame a 2-0 deficit against Sweden, reaching the Euro 2025 semi-finals after a bizarre and lengthy penalty shootout.
With the score tied after 120 minutes, Alesia Russo took England’s first penalty kick and successfully placed it in the corner. Score. England 1-0 Sweden.
England’s goalkeeper Hannah Hampton made a stunning save, diving left to stop Philippa Angeldahl’s shot. I’ll miss it. England 1-0 Sweden.
Lauren James’ weak attempt was easily caught by Swedish keeper Jennifer Faulk. I’ll miss it. England 1-0 Sweden.
Julia Zigiotti Olme then demonstrated how to shoot, finding the top corner. Score. England 1-1 Sweden.
Beth Mead followed up with a miss in the same spot as James. I’ll miss it. England 1-1 Sweden.
Magdalena Eriksson, however, also faltered by hitting the bottom of the post. I’ll miss it. England 1-1 Sweden.
Next, Alex Greenwood’s shot was saved again by Faulk. I’ll miss it. England 1-1 Sweden.
Nathalie Björn capitalized for Sweden with a solid strike that found the back of the net. Score. England 1-2 Sweden.
Then, Chloe Kelly, who had made a significant impact in regular play with two assists, needed to score to keep England alive. Score. England 2-2 Sweden.
Sweden was on the brink of progressing with their next shot, but their goalkeeper stepped up to take a penalty and missed, hitting the crossbar instead. I’ll miss it. England 2-2 Sweden.
In sudden death, Sweden momentarily took the lead when Grace Clinton had her effort saved. I’ll miss it. England 2-2 Sweden.
However, Sweden’s struggles continued as Hampton denied Sofia Jacobson, marking the eighth miss out of 12 penalties taken. I’ll miss it. England 2-2 Sweden.
Veteran Lucy Bronze stepped up and struck powerfully down the middle, clocking in at 102.51 km/h, according to Connected Ball Technology. Score. England 3-2 Sweden.
Sweden’s fate lay in the hands of 18-year-old Smira Holmberg, who unfortunately sent her shot way over the bar. I’ll miss it. England 3-2 Sweden.
What a nail-biter.
Ultimately, England missed three consecutive penalties yet still managed to win the shootout. With nine total misses and a 36% conversion rate, this was the lowest penalty shootout success rate in UEFA Women’s Euro history, only surpassed by the 2017 semifinals between Denmark and Austria (43%).
Despite the heartbreak, Faulk set a Euro record with four penalty saves, but it wasn’t enough to secure the win. What. A. Game.
Editorial Opinion: This extraordinary match exemplifies the thrilling unpredictability of soccer, capturing the hearts of fans everywhere. The event not only highlights the resilience of the English team but also underscores the evolving competitiveness of women’s soccer on the international stage.
