Germany 3 – 2 England
World Deaf Championship, Women's Competition
Patras, Greece
2-12 July, 2008
Click here for fixture details
In a typical England-Germany game, full of passion and commitment, the Three Lions fell short of a victory in a tough second game of the World Championship in Patras, Greece.
Although England worked hard in the early stages of the game, they showed much respect to a very capable German side who capitalised in the first half when they took a two goal lead.
After re-grouping at half-time, England started off the second half very positively and were the better side, getting on the top of the game and having a couple of opportunities at goal. However, England could not find the net with the early exchanges.
The Germans were clearly rattled with England’s early assault and 10 minutes after the re-start, England reduced the arrears with a goal, when Cath Eyley fired home for the Three Lions.
England took the control of the game soon after that and had further opportunities to equalise, but this was not to happen as Germany made it 3-1 with a well-placed free-kick from the edge of the area.
However, England refused to surrender and continued to press ahead in search of further goals - but were only able to find one more, coming eight minutes from time when Esther Maycock scored after a nice passing move.
Despite a hard game, Team Manager Julie Callaghan remained upbeat about the scoreline.
“We will take away many positives into the Russian game,” she told TheFA.com.
“Despite failing to capsize many opportunities in the game, a little more composure in front of goal could have seen a different result.”
As England women have less than 24 hours to prepare for their next game against Russia, Callaghan added: “Recovery is the key now. A win against Russia will see England book a semi-final place, which will be a brilliant achievement in our first ever World Cup.”
In the other game, hosts Greece failed to make their mark in the game, going down to a heavy 7-0 defeat against South Africa. The result leaves England lying in a second placed position, having won their opening game against South Africa.
Friday will see England play their third game against Russia, who lost 5-1 to Germany in their first match.
England: Carly Waters (GK), Suzanna Kenward, Laura Wiseman, Susan McKeown, Esther Maycock, Lydia Docker, Danielle Evans, Damaris Cooke, Stephanie Herbert, Camilla Willis, Sarah Page
Subs: Annie Straw, Natasha Ryan (GK), Lisa Nepean, Donna Cross, Katie Bailey, Claire Stanicliffe, Cath Eyley