🏆 UEFA Women’s Euro 2025: England Knock Out Sweden in Dramatic Penalty Shootout to Reach Semifinals
Zurich, July 18, 2025
In one of the most chaotic and emotional matches in recent tournament history, England’s Lionesses eliminated Sweden in the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 quarterfinals (2–2, 3–2 on penalties), securing a semifinal clash with Italy. The match featured a stunning comeback, nine missed penalties, and a star-making performance from goalkeeper Hannah Hampton.
First Half: Sweden Dominates Early
Sweden looked in control from the start:
Kosovare Asllani opened the scoring in the 2nd minute after a defensive slip.
Stina Blackstenius doubled the lead in the 25th minute with a solo effort that left the English defense stunned.
Second-Half Turnaround: Lionesses Roar Back
Manager Sarina Wiegman brought on Chloe Kelly in the 78th minute—an inspired substitution that flipped the game in just over 100 seconds:
Lucy Bronze scored from a Kelly assist in the 79th minute.
Michelle Agyemang, also fed by Kelly, equalized in the 81st minute, completing an astonishing comeback.
Penalty Shootout Madness
A staggering 9 out of 14 penalty attempts were missed, making it the most error-laden shootout in Women’s Euro history.
England’s Hannah Hampton made two clutch saves, earning Player of the Match honors.
Smilla Holmberg, Sweden’s 18-year-old rising star, missed the final decisive kick.
“It was stressful to watch, stressful to be part of,” Hampton said post-match.
“Every time I saved one, I was just begging us to score the next.”
Reactions
Sarina Wiegman, England coach:
“This was the hardest game I’ve ever watched. Lucy Bronze is absolutely unique. What heart, what leadership.”
Peter Gerhardsson, Sweden manager, on Holmberg:
“We’re standing by her 100%. She’s only 18—this will make her stronger.”
Match Highlights
| Moment | Detail |
|---|---|
| 🕑 2’ | Asllani opens scoring for Sweden |
| ⚡ 25’ | Blackstenius makes it 2–0 |
| 🔁 78–81’ | Two England goals in under 3 minutes |
| 🎯 9 | Penalty misses (5 Sweden, 4 England) |
| 🧤 Hero | Hannah Hampton saves two penalties |
What’s Next?
England advances to face Italy in the semifinals on Tuesday, July 22 in Geneva. The Azzurre secured their own quarterfinal win earlier this week.
Final Take
This quarterfinal will go down as one of the most unpredictable in Women’s Euro history—a rollercoaster of emotions, tactical shifts, and individual brilliance. With momentum and confidence building, England now eyes a return to the final—and perhaps back-to-back European titles.
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