England won its first major women's soccer title after beating Germany in the European Championship final.
Germany failed to clear a corner in the second half of extra time, which led to the winning goal byChloe Kelly. After 90 minutes of play at Wembley Stadium, Germany and England were tied at one.
The players danced and the crowd sang their anthem after the game. The good-natured atmosphere inside the stadium contrasted with the violent scenes when the England men's team lost to Italy at the same stadium a year ago.
I always thought I'd be here, but to score the winner, it's amazing. Kelly came back from a serious knee injury in April. I just want to celebrate this moment.
Kelly took her shirt off to celebrate her goal, earning a yellow card, but also a shout-out from the player who won the World Cup for the United States in 1999. For the rest of your life from all of England, you can enjoy the free rounds of pints and dinners. I'm happy! The actress wrote on the social networking site.
Since the last time England and Germany played for a continental title 13 years ago, the growth of women's soccer in Europe has continued.
Germany trounced an England team which still relied on part time players. England launched its Women's Super League two years later and has grown into one of the main competitions worldwide.
Germany, which was a pioneer in European women's soccer, is facing increased competition from England, Spain and France. The 1966 World Cup is the only major men's title that England has ever won.
In the 62nd minute, Toone latched onto a long pass from Walsh and sent a shot over the German defense and into the net for the opener.
After Toone's goal six minutes after she entered the game from the bench, the England manager raised both arms in celebration.
Facing its first defeat in nine European finals, Germany came close when Lea Schller hit the post and then leveled the score in the 78th when Lina Magull knocked a low cross past England goalkeeper Mary Earps.
The England men's team had a one goal lead but lost on penalties in the European Championship final at the same venue a year ago.
Popp, the team's leading scorer with six goals, was absent from the team due to a muscle problem. Schller replaced her in the lineup.
The game was goalless after a physical first half in which Ellen White shot narrowly over the bar for England, while Marina Hegering almost forced the ball in for Germany at a corner.
Both teams could have had a penalty in the first half, first when the ball seemed to touch the arm of Williamson as she cleared, and later when Hegering dove to clear the ball and collide with Bronze.
Popp joined her teammates on the field and was comforted by Georgia Stanway.
After winning the tournament with the Netherlands and now with England, the coach has not lost a game in 12 games. One of the first things she did after England won was to share a hug with the only remaining member of the team that lost to Germany.
Kateryna Monzul left her home country after Russia invaded. One of Europe's leading referees, Monzul left her home in Kharkiv, a major city which has been bombarded by Russian forces, and lived in a basement for five days before moving to Italy.
That's right.
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