England Supporters Club

Bronze stunner seals place in World Cup quarter final

Posted by Team England at 18:19 on Tuesday 23 June 2015

England Women came from behind against Norway to book their place in the quarter finals of the World Cup.

Solveig Gulbrandsen nodded the Scandinavians ahead early in the second half, but Mark Sampson’s side responded with a header from captain Steph Houghton and a thunderous 25-yard effort by right-back Lucy Bronze.

This was an historic victory for the Lionesses - their first-ever win in the knockout stages of the World Cup. And it means they will take on Canada, the host nation, in the last-eight in Vancouver on Saturday.

It could be argued this second round tie was the proverbial game of two halves, as Norway dominated the first period, only for England to get stronger as the game progressed as they came away with a hard-fought victory.

World Cup winners in 1995 and European Championship runners-up last time out, Norway’s world ranking of 11 belies their ability and pedigree at this level - and it was evidenced in their notable 1-1 draw with Germany in the group stage.

They seemed intent on further proving that fact from the outset against England. Even Pellerud’s charges took the game to their opponents from the off and dominated the ball in the early stages.



Houghton’s goal lifted her troops and England grew into the contest much in the same way they have grown into this tournament. Carney sent a left-sided cross into the box which Chapman was unable to reach and Scott’s angled drive ricocheted off a crowd of bodies and away.

When Norway did regain the upper hand, Bardsley was on-hand once more to deny Hegerberg.

Scott’s introduction had changed the game, as England began to take control of the midfield area – and it was no surprise the substitute was involved in the winning goal.

She interchanged well with substitute Jodie Taylor on the right before the Portland Thorns striker laid the ball off invitingly for Bronze.

The right-back hit a sumptuous angled first-time drive from 25 yards which Ingrid Hjelmseth got a hand to, but the shot had too much power and the keeper could only push it into the roof of the net.

It might have got even better for England when Carney was set up by Chapman, but her well-placed shot was turned behind for a corner.

Hegerberg, the talented Lyon youngster, came close to levelling late on but her strike was too high and sailed over Bardsley’s goal.

England will travel to Vancouver on Tuesday to begin their preparations for Saturday’s quarter final against Canada.