England vs. Italy: UEFA Women’s Euro Semifinals
Excitement and tension were in the air as England and Italy entered the pitch ready for a match. After their previous victories, Italy vs Norway and England vs Sweden, today’s match created a fresh start for each team to prove themselves and advance to the UEFA Women’s Euro Championships. On July 17th, England’s victory against Sweden ended with penalty kicks, and England’s goalkeeper Hannah Hampton was named player of the match. On July 16th, Norway and Italy battled it out on the field, where Italy came out triumphant thanks to forward Cristiana Girelli, who has been ranked one of the top scorers within this tournament and Italy’s Captain. When interviewed in regards to Italy’s match against England, Girelli acknowledged that Italy may appear like the “underdog” on paper, but reminded her audience that “football is decided on the pitch, not on paper.”
As the first half of the match took place, England began with great connection as they passed through the Italian team. The first 10 minutes provided England with a positive start. England placed defender Esme Morgan to battle Girelli in hopes of matching her speed and height. Although England’s high possession was beautiful and aggressive, Italy matched it with a 5-4-1 formation, making it difficult for England’s forwards to create quick and open attacks. The first foul of the game was from England’s beloved defender Lucy Bronze, and a few more fouls from England quickly followed.
After the initial 10-minute marker, each team attempted their quick play for a goal. England’s Lauren James played smart in the first half, hoping to create space and a possible pass toward the PK box, demonstrating her eagerness for a goal, but was continuously shut down. However, Italy proved triumphant in the first half as they were the first team to connect a cross from the right side, landing toward midfielder Barbara Bonansea on the left side, and allowing her the chance to score a goal for Italy during the 33rd minute of the game. After that, passion filled the air, and no other goals were created in the first half. England fought for more possession, but Italy’s defense and paired attacks led to more shut-downs on their side of the field.
The start of the second half put a lot in perspective for England. Wanting to create an opportunity for a goal, James was subbed out for forward Beth Mead. Mead proved herself during this second half, providing open space and runs, creating possible opportunities for a goal. In comparison to James' possession and quick thinking, Mead’s speed proved dangerous for Italy, yet nothing was successful when battling against Italy’s defense. Italy's formation was the same with a 5-4-1, but the tone of their overall game changed as they quickly maintained possession of the ball and adopted England’s style. Clean passes and connections were shown in the first half. In contrast to Italy’s organization, England showed higher amounts of physical aggression fueled by their desire for a goal and a chance for the Championships. Italy’s Captain, Girelli, was sadly subbed during the middle of the second half due to a possible strain to the back of her leg. The game continued with the same amount of aggression.
A yellow card was given to Italy’s goalkeeper, Laura Giuliani, for time wasting, according to the referee, and later followed by a yellow card to the Italian coach for attempting to argue it. This will be Giuliani’s first yellow card in this tournament. Regardless, as time kept ticking, England’s plays grew messy and continuously aggressive as they continued to work toward a goal. When all felt lost and the final minutes were added to the half, forward, teenage substitute Michelle Agyemang scored a victorious goal in the PK box for England right before the added time finished. Incredibly, this substitute changed the course of the game, allowing for added time.
With an added 15 minutes, both England and Italy were unable to score a goal. This led to another 15 minutes that continued the same as the first, until the end of the second, when a penalty was given to England. Scored by forward Chloe Kelly, England gained their second goal in this game. Frustrated Italian fans, the Italian coach, and players were saddened by this loss today. Both teams played with passion, but it was an undeniable amount of aggression that was presented on the pitch as both teams fought endlessly for a goal. England was favored to win, and Italy was greatly frustrated by them as they maintained consistent defense and connection most of the second half. England’s last-minute substitution allowed Agyemang a chance to score a wonderful goal and a fighting chance for her country. This goal led to more time, more possession, and another goal for England, allowing them to advance to the UEFA Women’s Euro Championships.
