
Forest overcome Porto to book Europa League semi-final against Villa
Nottingham Forest beats Porto 2-1 on aggregate to reach Europa League semi-finals!
England secured a vital 1-0 victory over Spain, enhancing their chances of automatic qualification for the FIFA Womenâs World Cup Brazil 2027. Lauren Hemp scored the decisive goal early in the match, confirmed by goal-line technology.
England boost World Cup qualification hopes with victory over Spain
Lauren Hemp netted the only goal of the game as the two-time European champions defeated the World champions in-front of a packed-out crowd at the national stadium.
Hemp opened the scoring for the Lionesses after just three minutes. Alex Greenwood sent in a corner that was scooped up by Alessia Russo. Hemp then hooked the ball and sent an effort towards goal. A goal wasnât initially given by the referee, but goal-line technology stepped in and confirmed that the ball had crossed the line.
Spain tried to respond and Patri Guijarro got through the England defence, but her shot was blocked. Ona Batlle rushed her effort from the rebound and the ball went wide.
Lauren James then did well to track Mariona Caldentey, who couldnât control the ball on the edge of the England box and sent it wide.
Chances continued to be produced for both sides. Lucy Bronze created a perfect back-heel to Lauren Hemp, but her effort struck the post before Batlle went through on goal at the other end, but her effort went just over the bar.
Keira Walsh then had an attempt which was blocked by the Spanish defence. A second attempt came after Lucia Kendall knocked the ball back to her from the edge of the box, but she sent it just over the bar.
Hannah Hampton pulled off an incredibly impressive save to keep England ahead. Olga Carmonaâs shot was on target, but Hampton got her glove to the ball before it bounced off the woodwork.
Kendall then rushed a shot, directing the ball over the bar before Esther GonzĂĄlez sent her looping header high above Englandâs net.
Spain again came close to an equaliser through captain Irene Paredes as she headed the ball towards goal, but failed to hit the target.
In the final moments, Hampton made the save of the game. Edna Imade headed the ball towards Hampton, who punched it away confidently.
This eveningâs result sees England continue their 100-percent record in FIFA Womenâs World Cup Brazil 2027 qualifying. The Lionesses return to action when they face Iceland in Reykjavik on Saturday.
England's win significantly boosted their hopes of securing automatic qualification for the FIFA Womenâs World Cup Brazil 2027.
Lauren Hemp scored the only goal of the match for England against Spain.
Goal-line technology confirmed that Lauren Hemp's shot had crossed the line, validating the goal.

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