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Kelly a fitting hero in England's gritty Euro victory

Chloe Kelly Emerges as Fitting Hero in England's Gritty Triumph at Euro 2022

In a pulsating finale that will be etched into the annals of English football history, Chloe Kelly emerged as the unlikely yet utterly fitting hero, propelling the Lionesses to a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Germany in the UEFA Women's Euro 2022 final. The match, played out before a record-breaking crowd of over 87,000 at London's iconic Wembley Stadium, was a testament to resilience, tactical nous, and the unyielding spirit that has come to define this England team under the stewardship of Sarina Wiegman. Kelly's extra-time winner not only secured England's first major international trophy since the men's 1966 World Cup triumph but also symbolized a seismic shift in the landscape of women's football, igniting hopes for a new era of growth and investment in the sport.

The build-up to the final had been nothing short of electric. England, hosting the tournament, had navigated a challenging path to Wembley, dispatching formidable opponents like Spain in the quarter-finals and Sweden in the semis with displays of flair and fortitude. Germany, eight-time European champions and perennial powerhouses, arrived with their own aura of invincibility, boasting a squad laced with experience from players like Alexandra Popp and Svenja Huth. Yet, it was England who carried the weight of national expectation, with the home crowd's roars echoing the collective yearning for glory after decades of near-misses and heartbreaks. Wiegman, the Dutch tactician who had previously led the Netherlands to Euro glory in 2017, emphasized a game plan built on defensive solidity, quick transitions, and exploiting set-pieces—elements that would prove pivotal in the drama that unfolded.

From the opening whistle, the match was a chess game of high stakes. England started brightly, with Leah Williamson marshalling the backline with the poise of a seasoned general, while midfield dynamo Keira Walsh dictated the tempo, spraying passes with precision. The Lionesses' attacking trident of Beth Mead, Ellen White, and Lauren Hemp posed constant threats, but Germany's defense, anchored by Marina Hegering, held firm. The first half was a cagey affair, with both sides probing without truly penetrating. England's best chance came when White latched onto a through ball from Fran Kirby, only to be denied by a sprawling save from Merle Frohms in the German goal. At the other end, Popp, who had been a goal-scoring machine throughout the tournament, tested Mary Earps with a fierce drive that the English keeper parried away brilliantly.

As the game wore on, the tension mounted. The breakthrough arrived in the 62nd minute, courtesy of a moment of sheer brilliance from substitute Ella Toone. Introduced just minutes earlier, Toone latched onto a sublime lofted pass from Walsh and, with exquisite composure, chipped the ball over the onrushing Frohms. Wembley erupted in a cacophony of joy, the goal a reward for England's patient build-up play. Toone's strike, her sixth of the tournament, underscored the depth of talent in Wiegman's squad and highlighted the impact of her substitutions—a recurring theme in England's campaign.

But Germany, true to their resilient nature, refused to capitulate. Just 17 minutes later, they equalized through Lina Magull, who capitalized on a rare defensive lapse from England. A cross from Felicitas Rauch found its way to Magull, who poked the ball home from close range, silencing the home crowd momentarily and forcing the match into extra time. The equalizer was a stark reminder of Germany's pedigree; they had not lost a European Championship match in over three decades, and their comeback spirit evoked memories of past glories.

Extra time brought exhaustion and drama in equal measure. Both teams traded blows, with legs tiring and tempers fraying. Popp, who had been a doubt before the game due to injury, was forced off early, robbing Germany of their talismanic striker. England, sensing vulnerability, pressed forward. The turning point came in the 110th minute from a corner kick. Lauren Hemp's delivery caused chaos in the German box, and after a scramble, the ball fell to Kelly. The Manchester City forward, who had endured her own injury nightmares in recent years, including a serious ACL tear that sidelined her for much of the previous season, poked the ball home from point-blank range. The goal, confirmed after a VAR check for a potential handball, sparked pandemonium. Kelly, in a nod to Brandi Chastain's iconic 1999 World Cup celebration, whipped off her shirt and swung it above her head, yellow card be damned. It was a moment of pure, unadulterated ecstasy, encapsulating the raw emotion of the occasion.

Kelly's heroics were particularly poignant. At 24, she represents the new generation of English talent, blending skill with an indomitable will. Her journey back from injury mirrored the team's own path—gritty, determined, and ultimately triumphant. Post-match, Kelly reflected on the significance: "It's unbelievable. To score the winner at Wembley, in front of this crowd—it's what dreams are made of." Her goal not only clinched the title but also ensured she would forever be remembered as the woman who ended England's 56-year wait for major silverware.

Wiegman's influence cannot be overstated. The manager, who became the first to win the Euros with two different nations, orchestrated a masterclass in adaptability. Her decision to start with a compact formation and unleash substitutes like Toone and Alessia Russo at key moments proved decisive. England's defense, led by Williamson and Millie Bright, was imperious, limiting Germany to few clear chances despite their possession dominance. Earps, in goal, made crucial saves, including a stunning stop from a Sydney Lohmann effort in extra time, earning her the player of the match accolade.

The victory's broader implications are profound. Women's football in England has long languished in the shadows of the men's game, but this triumph could be the catalyst for change. The tournament shattered attendance records, with over 500,000 fans attending matches across the country, and viewership figures soared into the millions. It comes at a time when the sport is gaining momentum globally, with increased professionalization and investment. For the Lionesses, this is more than a trophy; it's a statement. Players like Mead, who won the Golden Boot with six goals, and Walsh, the midfield metronome, have become household names, inspiring a new wave of young girls to take up the game.

Yet, the win was not without its gritty undertones. England had to dig deep, embodying the "never say die" attitude that Wiegman instilled. Germany, gracious in defeat, acknowledged the hosts' superiority, with coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg praising the atmosphere and the quality on display. The match highlighted the evolving parity in women's international football, where tactical battles and individual brilliance can tip the scales.

As the final whistle blew, confetti rained down on Wembley, and the Lionesses lifted the trophy amid tears and cheers. Kelly, the fitting hero, stood at the center of it all—a symbol of perseverance and joy. This victory isn't just about the past; it's a beacon for the future. England has awakened as a force in women's football, and with the World Cup on the horizon, the Lionesses are poised to roar even louder. In a sport often defined by moments, Kelly's goal will endure as one of the greatest, a gritty exclamation point on a historic night.

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Read the Full Channel NewsAsia Singapore Article at:
[ https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/kelly-fitting-hero-in-englands-gritty-euro-victory-5261651 ]