Powell delight at semi victory
Sunday, 06 September, 2009
Hope Powell speaks of her elation at reaching the Euro 2009 Final.
After watching her side reach the final of the UEFA Women's European Championship for the first time in 25 years, Hope Powell spoke of her delight at the dramatic victory.
Holland made England wait until the 116th minute before they took the decisive advantage, but Powell believes that the better side has progressed.
"If I'm honest, I think we were the better team but better teams have played and lost and certainly played and lost in this tournament," Powell explained.
"We knew how they would set up and their system is very, very frustrating to play against, but it works for them and they stuck very well at it. Fortunately, we were patient.
"We missed a few chances that perhaps we might have scored, but the main things is we got there in the end – in the very end. I'm just really delighted it's over and we can look forward to the next game."
Powell also revealed the private target that was set to the players and staff at the outset of the tournament.
"We did set a target; we just didn't share it with the media. The target was we wanted to play six games.
"Our main aim was to get out of the group but the ultimate aim was to get ourselves into the final. We're there now and the next step, of course, is that we want to win it.
Kelly Smith, who was awarded the Carlsberg Player of the Match award added: "We're absolutely delighted. We're thrilled to be in the final.
"I thought it was a great team performance by us tonight. Credit to Holland, they made it very difficult for us.
"We knew how they were going to set up and at times it was frustrating for us with them having ten players behind the ball, but our patience showed tonight."