England women rally to reach Euro 2022 semi-finals

BRIGHTON, United Kingdom, July 21 (AFP): England rallied from the brink of elimination to beat Spain 2-1 after extra time and reach the semi-finals of Euro 2022 thanks to Georgia Stanway's stunning strike.
Ether Gonzalez's opener had the hosts heading for an early exit, but Ella Toone rescued the Lionesses six minutes from the end of normal time before Stanway's winner took England into the last four of a fourth consecutive major tournament.
Sarina Wiegman's side will face Sweden or Belgium in the final four on Tuesday.
England were given a boost pre-match with the return of Wiegman to the touchline after she tested negative for Covid-19 earlier in the day.
The Lionesses had everything their own way in the group stage as they plundered 14 goals without reply against Austria, Norway and Northern Ireland.
However, despite their own struggles to reach the knockout stages, Spain were a big step up in class.
"I won't forget this day," said Wiegman. "A crazy day, I came with the team late, prepared, trying to stay calm.
"The whole game was a test. The level of this game was so high. I haven't experienced that too much."
Spain had been pre-tournament favourites before injuries to reigning Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas and all-time top goalscorer Jennifer Hermoso rocked their preparation.
Jorge Vilda's side suffered their first defeat since 2019 to Germany in the group stage, but even in that game dominated possession of the ball.