(CNN)With six minutes remaining in regular time, England were 1-0 behind Spain and seemed to be abandoning their home women’s EURO until Ella Toone’s equalizer sent a roaring record crowd of 28,994 at the Brighton and Hove Community Stadium moved the quarterfinals into overtime.
Then, six minutes into the first overtime, Georgia Stanway got an inch from the Spanish defense and propelled the Lionesses into the semifinals with a sensational strike that sealed a 2-1 victory.
“It’s the move from group mentality to knockout. We’ve shown we’re resilient and we can handle trials,” England captain Leah Williamson told the BBC.
“I’m sorry mum and dad you have work tomorrow and I delayed your return home.
England’s EURO season was flawless, leading their group without conceding and clinching a record win over Norway.
But Spain’s trademark tiki-taka pass ensured they dominated the first half, starving the Lionesses for possession and any chance to unleash their free-flowing attack.
in 17 minutes, La Roja constructed his first shot on target when Mariona Caldentey rolled in a shot from outside the box which was picked up by England goalkeeper Mary Earps.
Twenty minutes later it looked like Ellen White had scored a goal for England against the flow of play from a Lauren Hemp free-kick, but her attempt was ruled offside.
That set off a late wave of English attacks but the Spanish defense held up and the first half ended goalless.
Spain started the second half brilliantly, taking the lead when substitute Athenea del Castillo thwarted Rachel Daly, zigzagged into the box and set up Esther González, who fired a goal into the corner of the net.
In response, England’s tactics changed, with head coach Sarina Wiegman bringing in Alessia Russo and Toone to halt the Spaniards’ advance.
Earps’ outstretched fingertips deflected a powerful shot from Del Castillo to keep the Lionesses’ hopes alive before Russo and Toone combined to equalize and send the game into overtime in the 86th minute.
“We used Plan B,” Wiegman told the BBC. “After that we scored quickly so we could get back to our normal form. I’m so proud of the team. You could feel the fans behind us. That’s home advantage.”
After Stanway’s early goal in extra time, Spain continued to threaten but England retained their memorable win.
“It’s a disappointing loss and disappointing to be eliminated from the competition but if there’s a good chance of losing it’s if we play like we did tonight. We gave it our all but it wasn’t to be. We played really well and we have a bright future ahead of us, but it’s a difficult day for us,” Spain coach Jorge Vilda said, according to UEFA.com.
The Lionesses will now face either Belgium or Sweden for a place in the final.
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