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Spain set sights on England as they chase elusive European crown

Spain set sights on England as they chase elusive European crown

ZURICH: Spain's remarkable run in international competitions reaches another high on Sunday when they take on England in the final at the Women's Euros in Basel, playing in their first European decider in only their fifth appearance at the tournament.
The reigning world and Nations League champions will be looking for a repeat of their defeat of England in the 2023 World Cup final as they seek to add the European crown to their trophy cabinet.
"Now we'll start looking at England more closely, although our analysts have already been watching them live and studying their performance in this Euro," Spain coach Montse Torme told reporters after her side's 1-0 semi-final win over Germany on Wednesday.
"We're going to dive deeper into their game, and we're going all-in."
For all their dominance in recent years, Spain are still relative newcomers at the top table in women's soccer, and their only previous visit to the semi-finals at the Euros was in 1997.
They followed that up with quarter-final exits in 2013, 2017 and 2022. By contrast, Germany, whom they had never beaten at a major tournament before Wednesday, won the tournament five times since 1997.
"It's an incredible joy to be in the final, to have beaten Germany for the first time — a great team. I think we knew how to compete in this match. I'm very happy for the players, the staff, and everything we are building here in Switzerland," Torme said.
For long-serving captain Irene Paredes, success at the Euros is another welcome milestone in her side's progress towards being the kind of dominant team the Germans once were.
"It's incredible. We're making history," she told reporters.
"This is what we wanted. It's been tough, but we're in the final."
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Defending champions England beat Spain on penalties to win Women's Euro 2025
Defending champions England beat Spain on penalties to win Women's Euro 2025

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Defending champions England beat Spain on penalties to win Women's Euro 2025

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Spain deserved more, says Tome after painful loss to England
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Kelly a fitting hero in England's gritty Euro victory
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Kelly a fitting hero in England's gritty Euro victory

IT almost felt like football fate when Chloe Kelly stepped up to the penalty spot on Sunday against Spain, with the chance to make history for England in clinching their second consecutive women's European Championship title. The 27-year-old, who had been doubtful to make Sarina Wiegman's Euros team only six months ago, did her trademark run-up, lifting her left leg and skipping onto her right, before launching a powerful shot into the top corner. 'Incredible game of football. I just came onto the pitch and wanted to make something happen,' Kelly said. 'Of course, taking the penalty, I actually missed three in training yesterday, (but) it's the belief in this squad, I'm really proud to be English right now and proud to be part of an amazing group of girls.' Kelly was the hero in England's 2022 victory at Wembley, scoring in extra time before famously twirling her shirt above her head in celebration. She came to the Lionesses' rescue several times in Switzerland, scoring in the shootout in their quarter-final victory over Sweden, and smashing home her own rebound of a missed penalty against Italy in the semis. 'I was cool, I was composed and I knew I was going to hit the back of the net. I don't miss penalties twice,' she said of her winning spot-kick. Kelly's Switzerland story is remarkable considering back in January there were doubts she would make the Euros squad. She was barely playing for Manchester City and made a public plea to leave the club. She called them 'dark days'. Kelly's plea worked as she spent the rest of the season on a successful loan spell with Arsenal. 'I'm so grateful to be out the back end,' Kelly said. 'But if that's a story to tell someone that maybe experiences something the same that tough times don't last. 'Thank to everyone who wrote me off. I'm grateful.' Wiegman wrapped the crying Kelly in a long embrace. 'Everybody brings something different and she brings this,' Wiegman said. 'She has been fighting to come back and to be at her highest level. She really wanted to take that penalty of course, and celebrate that.' Kelly did not wait long to celebrate. Before starting a television interview, she grabbed the mic to sing along to 'Sweet Caroline' being belted out by the England crowd at St Jakob-Park. 'It is going to be crazy,' she said of the reception back home. 'I hope the whole of England comes out to support us and shows their love to these girls as they deserve it.' The Lionesses, who lost to Spain in the 2023 World Cup final, have talked about legacy in Switzerland. 'It's a huge moment. Every girl out there with that dream – you can do it,' she said. 'Keep shooting for the stars.' - REUTERS

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