England stops Norway, returns to semifinals
LE HAVRE, France — Lucy Bronze helped set up the first two goals Thursday night then converted to score on a powerful shot, leading England to a 3-0 victory over Norway and a second straight appearance in the Women’s World Cup semifinal.
After finishing third four years ago, England advances to face the winner of the France vs. United States match on Tuesday in its quest for a first women’s final.
“Their two scouts were sitting literally behind the bench,” England coach Phil Neville said. “So I waved at them after the goals.”
The first came after only two minutes and nine seconds in front of a crowd of more than 21,000. Bronze muscled her way down the right flank before cutting the ball back. Ellen White missed a shot but Jill Scott was primed to strike in off the post.
White notched her fifth tournament goal in the 40th minute. Played in by Bronze, Nikita Parris spotted White racing between the Norway center backs to receive the pass and sweep into the net.
It was a clever routine that led to the third in the 57th minute. With England preparing to take a free kick on the left flank, Norway was expecting it to be swung into the penalty area. But Beth Mead spotted Bronze arriving at the edge of the penalty area unmarked, and the right back connected on a one-timer, raising it high into the roof of the net.
“What you have seen tonight is that Lucy Bronze is the best player in the world,” Neville said.
Nodding in approval from the stands was David Beckham, who high-fived Sue Campbell, the head of women’s soccer in England.
While Beckham never made it past a quarterfinal as a player for the England men’s team, the women are now in their third successive semifinal after also making the final four at the 2017 European Championship.