England Women finish third at World Cup

Fara Williams's extra-time penalty ensured England
beat Germany for the first time in 31 years to finish
third at the Women's World Cup
.
The performance was the second best by an England team
following the 1966 win by the men's side and eclipsed the
1990 men's team, which finished fourth.
The Lionesses had not beaten two-time World Cup winners
Germany in 20 attempts but they more than matched their
opponents and won the spot-kick in the second period of
extra-time after substitute Lianne Sanderson was brought
down by Tabea Kemme.
Williams, who is England's record cap holder and was
homeless at one point in her Engand career, beat German
goalkeeper Nadine Angerer for her third goal from the
penalty spot of the tournament.
England's most successful Women's World Cup campaign
should ensure that they rise from sixth in the world rankings
to their highest ever position, but they were thankful to a
glaring miss from Bianca Schmidt four minutes from the
end.

The result was a superb tribute to the progress that England
have made under Mark Sampson after the Welshman took
over 18 months ago. It also put a positive spin on their
campaign after the cruel semi-final defeat following Laura
Bassett's injury-time own goal.
And Sampson's education as England head coach has now
come full circle, following a 3-0 defeat by the eight-time
European champions last November.
This time the 32-year-old Sampson chose to be more
conservative in his tactical approach and it paid off as his
team lined up with three centre-backs, which included Jo
Potter alongside Steph Houghton and Bassett, who showed
no hangover from her semi-final heartache.
But the formation allowed space in front of the defence and
the European champions could have scored three times in
the first 10 minutes with tournament top scorer Celia Sasic
wasting a great chance before Houghton cleared off the line.

During an open start to the game, Houghton then had the
best opening of the first half but mistimed her shot from
seven yards. There was also a valid penalty appeal as
Kemme appeared to block Potter's shot with her hand.
In her last World Cup game in charge, German coach Silvia
Neid became frustrated with England's aggressive approach,
but it ensured the match remained goalless at the break.
Having named an under-strength side, Neid brought on
Melanie Leupolz which added more bite to the German
midfield and they began to carve out the better chances.
Bardsley saved Sara Daebritz's header before Houghton
blocked Lena Petermann's close-range shot.
But the introduction of Eniola Aluko, who had not played
since England's second game against Mexico, swung the
game back in England's favour and she laid on a pass to
Scott who wasted a great opportunity with 13 minutes
remaining.
The Lionesses were buoyed going into extra-time and their
determination to bow down to world superpower of
women's football helped create the penalty which led to
joyous scenes at the final whistle, representing a superb
campaign.