This game will go down in history.
England wins the start of the women’s European Championship 1-0 against Austria – and that in front of a record crowd!
Foto: LEE SMITH/REUTERS
” data-zoom-src=”https://bilder.bild.de/fotos/bock-auf-frauenfussball-manchester-uniteds-david-de-gea-l–und-harry-maguire-56510ed5ff1d49c5961355e003493034-80625386/Bild /6.image.jpg”/> In the mood for women’s football: Manchester United’s David de Gea (left) and Harry Maguire (middle)Foto: LEE SMITH/REUTERS
68,871 fans flock to the sold-out Old Trafford in Manchester. More than ever in a women’s European Championship game. Even before kick-off, they create goosebumps.
Even at the opening ceremony with a fire show and the subsequent national anthem, the spectators freaked out. Among them were Manchester United stars Harry Maguire and David de Gea. Ex-DFB Vice-President Rainer Koch is also excited in the stands.
<img class="photo ondemand zoomable" src="https://bilder.bild.de/fotos-skaliert/englands-em-start-vor-74000-fans-im-ausverkauften-old-trafford-87807957a7cc49d88241c4f6c7f69ee5-80625456/6,w=1280,c=0.bild.jpg" width="1280" alt="Englands EM-Start vor 74000 Fans im ausverkauften Old Trafford" data-zoom-title="Englands EM-Start vor gut 68 800 Fans im Old Trafford
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England’s EM start in front of a good 68,800 fans at Old TraffordFoto: Getty Images
The atmosphere exploded in the 16th minute when the English took the lead.
After a fine pass, Beth Mead lobs the ball over Austria’s goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger. Defender Corinna Wenninger is still trying to clear the ball in front of the line. With an overhead kick, she hits the lower edge of the crossbar, from where the ball jumps out.
But referee Huerta de Aza’s watch immediately reads: Goal! A backwards version of the iconic 1966 Wembley goal that bounced the ball off the crossbar onto the line in the World Cup final against Germany – and made England world champions.
After that, only the hostesses play, who have top chances before the break. But first Ellen White heads just wide to the right, then Zinsberger makes a strong save against Lauren Hemp.
England is also superior in the second half, but there is no longer a goal. In the end it stays at the deserved 1:0.
The English women started. Germany must follow suit against Denmark on Friday (9 p.m., ZDF live).