England women avenge “the hand of God”

THE ENGLAND Women’s Football Team have swept aside Argentina in Le Havre – and reached the knock out stages of the Women’s Football World Cup.

The victory is all the sweeter as it comes 35 years after Argentina knocked the England Men’s team out of the 1986 World Cup in a game most remembered for Diego Maradona’s “hand of God” goal.

The game, played out on Friday evening, 14th June, didn’t have the best start. England’s Alex Greenwood was tripped up – earning the team a penalty. Up stepped Nikita Parris: but a brilliant save by Argentina’s goalie Vanina Correa denied England an early lead. England put Correa to the test again – but had problems finishing several strong attacks. Correa let nothing through till Jodie Taylor got her feet on a cross from Beth Mead on the hour.

Having finally taken the lead, England dominated possession and were unlucky not to score again. They held on to achieve their second victory in the Group rounds and top the Group D table.

England will have the luxury of a third group match against Japan: vital practice for the knock-out matches to come.

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