England manager Sarina Wiegman praised a record crowd of 69,000 spectators as a testament to how far the women’s game has come as the Lionesses kicked off Euro 2022 with a 1-0 win over Austria. The turnout smashed the previous record for a match at the European Championship for women at almost 30,000.
The vast majority at the Theater of Dreams got what they wanted as Beth Mead’s early goal saw the hosts claim victory despite an under-performing performance.
“It was unbelievable, (there are) no more words,” Wiegman said.
“It’s incredible, where we come from, to play here at Old Trafford for 70,000.
“I hope they keep coming and they will because we have sold out stadiums.”
Home advantage is just one of the reasons England are considered one of the favorites to win their first-ever major women’s tournament.
Wiegman, who led the Netherlands to victory at Euro 2017, is now unbeaten in 15 games since taking the lead in September.
The weight of expectation seemed heavy on the hosts in a nervous start.
However, they kicked the tournament to life in style in 16 minutes when Fran Kirby’s high pass singled out Mead and the Arsenal forward calmly lifted the ball over her club teammate Manuela Zinsberger.
Carina Wenninger made a desperate attempt to clear, but the ball was just over the line before she intervened.
England then settled into the rhythm which has seen them score 85 goals and concede just three in the Wiegman era.
Ellen White should have added 50 international goals for England to her record when the Manchester City striker headed next to a tempting pitch from Lauren Hemp.
Zinsberger then showed why she is one of the best goalkeepers in the world with a crucial stop to turn around Hemp’s attempt in first half stoppage time.
big occasion
England’s strength was reflected in extensive pre-tournament friendly victories over Belgium, the Netherlands and Switzerland.
But this time, a triple change of Wiegman on the hour to introduce the younger legs of Ella Toone, Chloe Kelly and Alessia Russo made little impact.
Instead, just like when the teams met in World Cup qualifiers in November, England had to settle for a narrow margin of victory as Austria stood firm and could have even taken a shock point.
Mary Earps was forced to reverse Barbara Dunst’s curling attempt from outside the box before making a more routine save from Julia Hickelsberger-Fuller as England held out.
“The most important thing is to win that first game,” said England midfielder Georgia Stanway, who won player of the match.
“It puts you in a good position because you can establish yourself in the tournament. There is room for improvement.
“The opportunity was huge, of course there were some nerves.”
England take on Norway in Brighton on Monday in what is expected to be their toughest test of the group stage.
promoted
Austria will take on tournament debutants Northern Ireland on the same day in Southampton.
(This story was not edited by DailyExpertNews staff and was generated automatically from a syndicated feed.)
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