Football matches sometimes tell their own grand stories. On a recent evening in Geneva, England’s women’s team, current European champions and World Cup runners-up, wrote a thrilling new chapter. They battled back from behind, pulling off a stunning 2-1 victory over Italy. This dramatic win in the dying moments of extra time means they will get to defend their title in the Euro 2025 final.
The game started tough for the English side. Italy, a team that reached the European finals in 1993 and 1997, showed their experience. Their player, Barbara Bonansea, found the net in the 33rd minute. This goal put the Italians in front, and they held that lead for a long time, making England work hard.
As the clock wound down, it seemed Italy might just hold on. But champions find ways to push through. In the sixth minute of second-half stoppage time, with seconds ticking away, Michelle Agymang scored for England. This late goal tied the game, forcing it into extra time and keeping England’s hopes alive.
The tension built with every minute of extra time. Then, in the 119th minute, just before the final whistle, Chloe Kelly stepped up. She took a penalty kick, and though it was saved, she was quick to react. Kelly pounced on the rebound, sending the ball into the net and securing the winning goal. It was a moment of pure drama, a true testament to not giving up.
England, who also reached the European finals in 1984 and 2009, now awaits their final opponent. On Sunday, they will play the winner of the other semi-final. That match takes place on Wednesday in Zurich. It features a clash between Spain, the current world champions, and Germany, a powerhouse team that has won the European title eight times.