Hope happy with second-half show
Wednesday, 29 February, 2012
National Coach praises players after 2-1 win over Finland.
After overseeing her side’s collection of three Cyprus Cup points against Finland, Hope Powell congratulated her players for their second-half display.
England fell behind to an Annika Kukkonen goal on seven minutes, but went in level at the break after Kelly Smith converted a 35th-minute penalty. And the Three Lions came out all guns blazing after half-time, with Karen Carney putting them ahead in the 50th minute.
They created a host of other chances in the second period but had to wait for Smith’s second penalty of the afternoon, just before the final whistle, to seal the win.
"It was a good contest,” said Powell in summary. “It was a pretty even first half, they took the lead early and sort of stifled us. But we sorted a few things out at half-time and dominated the second half.
"The game opened up more and we were able to create a lot more chances and everyone played their part.
"We played well collectively today. Everyone battled, we managed to contain Finland, who are a big side, and got the win we deserved.”
Powell gave Birmingham midfielder Jade Moore her Senior team debut and the National Coach was pleased with the 21-year-old’s performance.
"Jade did well,” said Powell. “She settled in nicely in the centre alongside Fara [Williams] and Kelly [Smith], two more experienced players, and she was very good at breaking up the play.”
England are now preparing for their second Cyprus Cup game, against Switzerland on Thursday.