As the knockout stage of the Women’s Euro 2025 continues, England orchestrated one of the most spectacular wins of the tournament. The Lionesses pulled off a miraculous comeback late in the second half of Thursday’s quarterfinal against Sweden, before holding on to win the game in penalties.
The shootout was all about the goalkeepers, as English keeper Hannah Hampton and Swedish keeper Jennifer Falk pulled off a number of stunning saves. Hampton had three saves in the 3-2 penalty win, while Falk had four saves. But even Falk’s impressive goalkeeping wasn’t enough to lift Sweden to a win.
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The moment came down to 18-year-old Swedish defender Smilla Holmberg, who had one chance to keep the game going after Lucy Bronze gave England the lead. But Holmberg sent her kick too high, sealing England’s comeback and sending the Lionesses to the semifinals.
Sweden took an early 2-0 lead over England in the first half, with a goal from Kosovare Asllani in the second minute setting the tone. Swedish striker Stina Blackstenius then scored another in the 25th minute to give the team a solid lead.
Then, in the 79th minute, Bronze broke through off a great cross from Chloe Kelly. Just over a minute later, England struck again, as 19-year-old forward Michelle Agyemang scored the equalizer to play hero and force extra time.
After 30 scoreless minutes of extra time, the game moved into a penalty shootout, where Hampton and Falk both had shining moments in the box.
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After Kelly sunk England’s fifth kick to even the penalty score at 2-2, Falk nearly cemented herself as a Swedish icon, stepping up to take a PK herself. But Falk skied her attempt to keep the shootout going into sudden death.
A save apiece from Hampton and Falk brought it down to Bronze and Holmberg. For England, it was a stunning comeback and a chance to keep trying to defend its Euro title from 2022. For Sweden, it was pure heartbreak.
England now advances to play Italy in the semifinals, after the Italians got their own 2-1 win over Norway on Wednesday. England vs. Italy goes down Tuesday (3 p.m. ET, Fox) in Switzerland.
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