Football European Championship: “Harried on the door”: Agyemang redeemed England

As soon as the Geneva football thriller was written, Esme Morgan unpacked British humor. “Of course, these drama games are the most fun-and we just like to talk,” said England’s central defender on ZDF about the 2-1 win in the EM semi-final against Italy in two ways.

One goal deep in added time and another shortly before the end of the extension Morgan’s team gave the final – and thus the chance of defending the title on Sunday in Basel. The heroine of the evening was called Michelle Agyemang, who had scored 1-1 in the sixth minute of stoppage time. The 19-year-old has only been there in the national team since April.

The Italians cried the bitter and were particularly annoyed by the late penalty. “You held each other. Was it a penalty? I don’t know,” said coach Andrea Soncin. And star player Cristiana Girelli found in tears: “Unfortunately, it shouldn’t be. Football gives football.”

“Then Michelle reappeared”

“I had the feeling that we hammered the door in the second half and just didn’t want to work. But then Michelle reappeared and saved the day,” said Morgan of the substitute striker. “She is simply an incredibly intelligent player who knows where to take the room.”

Wilder shooter Chloe Kelly, who converted her penalty to victory in the 119th minute, also emphasized Agyemang: “Michelle moved a bit on the field when she came. She gave us a lot of confidence.” And trainer Sarina Wiegman found: “She has something special. She is only 19, but very ripe, she holds the ball really well, if she continues, she has a very great future.”

Wiegman braces the final fifer pack

Already on Sunday, Arsenal’s offensive player, who has been on four international matches and three goals, could celebrate her first big title with the Lionesses. It would be the second EM triumph in a row for England, and even the third for the almost insatiable Wiegman.

In 2017, the Dutchman won the European Championship Cup with her home country, in 2022 with England. Added to the two lost World Cup final 2019 (with the Dutch) and 2023 (with England), the 55-year-old can look forward to the fifth final at World Cup or EM one after the other.

“I have a lot of emotions, I am relieved, happy, it feels surreal to stand again in the final,” said Wiegman and acquaintances: “I thought in the 88th minute, we have to score a goal now, otherwise we have a problem.” This then solved Agyemang for the overall rather unimaginative English women.

Again the combat strength and morality covered the technical and tactical deficiencies of the title candidate. Similar to the penalty drama in the quarter -finals against Sweden: England came back after a 0: 2 – also thanks to Superjoker Agyemang – and had still won the point despite four misconceptions.

Chelsea’s top star Lauren James remained well below her possibilities. During the break, she had to give way to Beth Mead, who irritated Italy’s goalkeeper Laura Giuliani when it was compensated and took out the penalty in the extension. “We were so often to leave, but we won’t get rid of us,” said striker Lauren Hemp.