July 24 – With two rounds of group games completed in the Women’s Euro 2017 in Holland, the hosts and England are the only two teams with a 100% record.
Pre-tournament favourites France stumbled in a 1-1 draw with Austria. While Germany have also not yet hit their traditional majestic stride, drawing 0-0 with Sweden and sitting behind them on goal difference. Both would be expected to win their final qualifying matches,
England have moved closes to qualifying for the knockout phase of the Women’s Euro 2017 after defeating Spain 2-0 on Sunday. Portugal all but knocked out Scotland with a 2-1 win. England have a huge +8 goal difference.
A fierce storm over Breda’s Rat Verlegh stadium dominated England’s match against Spain, with the flow and technical quality of the game compromised. The Spanish enjoyed 78% of possession, demonstrating guile, good ball circulation and fine passing, but they rarely threatened in England’s penalty area.
A pragmatic England won courtesy of goals in each half from Fran Kirby and Jodie Taylor. The Lionesses need just a point from their concluding Group D game against Portugal on Thursday.
“It’s a huge result,” said England coach Mark Simpson. “We’ll look back and say this was a big moment for us.”
“We had to find a way to win, and that’s exactly what we did. We knew we needed a win to top the group, and that’s a big one for us.”
In the Group’s other match Scotland suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Portugal. Carolina Mendes pounced on a Vaila Barsley mistake to give Portugal the lead in the first half. After the break substitute Erin Cuthbert curled in an excellent equaliser for Scotland, but Ana Leite replied quickly with the winner for Portugal.
The result all but ended Scotland’s hope of progressing to the quarter-finals after the humiliating 6-0 loss in their opening game against England. Scotland must defeat Spain by two goals in their final group game and count on an English win against Portugal.
Tonight (Monday) Netherlands and Belgium battle it out for top spot in Group A.
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