“Football is coming home”
Russo’s sensational goal enchants an entire country
07/27/2022 10:03 am
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The English footballers fulfill their big dream at Wembley. In a crazy semi-final, the Lionesses thunder over Sweden, defeating their curse. A surprising and a sensational goal pave the way to the football temple.
There are football games that are boring. There are football games that are spectacular. And there are football games that are just crazy. And that’s what 28,624 mostly euphoric fans saw on Tuesday evening in the stands of the legendary Bramall Lane in Sheffield. When exactly this first European Championship semi-final between the English and the Swedes turned onto the path of football craziness, nobody really knows. But it finally became clear in the 68th minute when Alessia Russo scored one of the strangest and most beautiful goals in recent football history in England’s furious 4-0 win.
First, the offensive player from Manchester United had carelessly missed the 3-0, she pressed a ball from a short distance free standing directly at goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl. But Russo didn’t switch off now, wasn’t annoyed about her pathetic finish, but fought for the rebound. And then she had perhaps the best idea of her young career. Under pressure from two Swedish defenders, the 23-year-old conjured up the ball at an angle from the side with her heel. The completely surprised Lindahl was tunnelled, but she cannot be blamed. What a scene! “You have to have the courage to do something so unpredictable and phenomenal,” said coach Sarina Wiegman. Bramall Lane, which was already celebrating in great euphoria, escalated the party frenzy. Football is coming home. Finally. What a release.
“You are an inspiration to everyone”
The Lionesses spark an unprecedented hype on the island. “You guys are an inspiration to everyone. You’re playing an amazing tournament. It’s so uplifting and exciting,” enthused icon David Beckham. “You are heroines,” added former international Ian Wright pathetically. The hyped team can be sure of the support of the nation on their fairytale journey. The newspapers tumbled with happiness. “The pride of England” was the headline in the Daily Telegraph about “brilliant lionesses”. The Daily Star applauded “Swede Dreams”. But especially the Russo goal caused ecstasy. “Heaven and Heel”, wrote the “Daily Express”. Former Liverpool pro Stephen Warnock spoke of one of “the best goals ever” on the BBC.
The mood of the Swedes was different (of course): “It’s hard to find words when you lose so clearly,” said midfielder Sofia Jakobsson. Many of her colleagues snuck off the pitch blank-eyed, while Magdalena Eriksson let her tears flow freely. “It’s an incredible disappointment. We had high expectations going into this tournament,” she said. “It feels like shit,” confessed Nathalie Björn. The team was one of the favorites, their goal was the first European title since 1984. The TT news agency criticized that the team was too ineffective offensively and was not there at the crucial moments. The broadcaster SVT spoke of a “declassification” by England. “Sweden ended the EM by being humiliated,” said the “Aftonbladet”, while the “Expressen” said: “It was supposed to be the toughest game in the EM, but it became a nightmare.”
Mead goes straight to the heart of Sweden
The second in the world rankings was played 4-0 by the uninhibited Lionesses. But what does played out actually mean? Only after 30 minutes did the hostesses arrive in this game. Until Beth Mead made it 1-0 (34′), there wasn’t much to suggest that England could contest the final in front of 90,000 spectators at Wembley on Sunday. Wiegman’s team was too nervous and the Swedes too strong. They orchestrated one powerful attack after the next towards the goal of the outstanding keeper Mary Earps. After just 20 seconds, she had to keep her team from falling behind with a strong save. It wasn’t a wake up call. England staggered, Sweden despaired. To Earps, the latte, himself – and Mead.
Mead, always Mead! The diminutive Arsenal striker completed her national team’s first really good offensive action with a spectacular finish. She accepted a cross from the right perfectly and hammered the ball into surprising luck with a turning shot. The turning point. Possibly even a historical one. England, who have been eliminated in the last three consecutive major tournaments in the semi-finals, are in the final of the European Championship for the third time after 1984 and 2009. On Sunday, the Lionesses want to end the untitled time for the motherland of football since the men’s World Cup triumph in 1966. The opponent will be played in the evening between France and Germany (9 p.m. on ARD, DAZN and live ticker on ntv.de).
Prince William is delighted
The euphoria is already boundless. And had not presenter Kate McCann passed out on Tuesday night, the thundering spectacle of Sheffield would have dominated the headlines all by herself. But that’s how the nation is also talking about the moment of shock in the TV duel of the candidates for the successor to the outgoing British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. The team still feels the attention and love of the nation. Even with royal vibes. So Prince William sent greetings on the evening of the triumph. “Congratulations to the Lionesses on reaching the Euro 2022 final on Sunday,” he wrote on Twitter. “The whole country is so proud of everything you achieve. We believe in you and will support you to the end.” As usual, William signed his personal message with a W.
“This result will go all over Europe and the world,” said Wiegman. “It was such a performance that everyone will be talking about us tomorrow. I think we showed that we are very resilient.” Also thanks to the trainer. Because where Wiegman is, there is success. At the EM 2017 she had led the Netherlands, her home country, to the title. With a perfect record. She now has that with England too. There is still one step to go for the 52-year-old in the doubles title. It’s the biggest step. Because the women have never experienced a final in front of almost 90,000 spectators.
Women’s football is booming in England. Not just since the successes of the national team. The clubs also ensure great enthusiasm and record attendance. And he is (still) the great alternative to greedy men’s football. Little show, low ticket prices. And fans who are fans. No spectators for whom a big football game is a social event to be seen at. A status symbol. How beautifully, how wonderfully this football is celebrated was shown in a mini video on social media on Tuesday evening. A little girl celebrates her Lionesses’ success so honest, so glorious, it’s heartbreaking for the Twitter community. Football is coming home. Yes indeed.
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