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Mark Sampson’s England recorded their first win in 21 attempts against two-time World Champions Germany after an extra time penalty in Edmonton.
However, the first chance came from German forward Petermann, who’s low header forced the reaction save from England’s Karen Bardsley to keep the scores level.
Shortly after, Germany’s Tabea Kemme produced a cross that caused chaos in the penalty area as England’s Jo Potter and keeper Karen Bardsley collided, with the formers header looping towards her own net, but thankfully, captain Steph Houghton was present to hook clear off the line.
Moments later, German forward Celia Sasic had a good chance to extend her lead at the top of the Adidas Golden Boot chart but her weak effort was gathered comfortably by the England Keeper.
Then with England coming into the game more, Houghton could not connect with the ball after some very good work by the impressive right back, Lucy Bronze.
Germany continued to probe England’s defence with several half-chances, particularly through the directness of midfielders Sara Daebritz and Simone Laudher’s play.
But Player of the Match, Bardsley was again able to protect England’s goal after a superb save from Daebritz following another sweeping German move.
Mark Sampson’s side then started to press harder after the break, with Manchester City’s Jill Scott and Liverpool’s Fara Williams both seeing good chances go to waste.
As both sides were unable to find a winning goal the game entered extra time and the defining moment soon arrived.
Germany’s Kebbe was deemed to have brought down England substitute Lianne Sanderson and Williams, as she did against Japan, coolly sent Nadine Angerer the wrong way.
Silvia Neid’s side did have chances to equalise late on through Sophie Schmidt and Anja Mittag but could not find a way past a resilient England defence.
The final whistle blew and England’s joy was there for all to see as players and management hugged each other.
Germany:
Angerer ©, Schmidt, Bartusiak, Laudehr, Behringer (Leupolz 46), Sasic (Mittag 73), Peter, Petermann, Goeßling (Popp 101), Kemme, Daebritz.
England:
Bardsley, Williams (Stoney 112), Houghton ©, Bassett, J. Scott, Carney, Bronze, Greenwood, Chapman (Sanderson 80), Potter, White (Aluko 61).
