England

1-0

Spain

Carney 65

 


UEFA Women's European Championship
Qualifying Round, Group One
6pm, Sunday 25 November 2007
Shrewsbury Town FC

Hope Powell says it will be a merry Christmas for everyone involved in the England Women's team as they secured three more points towards Euro 2009 qualification.

Having shown great persistance to break down a stubborn Spanish side, Powell was pleased that 2007 came to a victorious conclusion.

Powell admitted: "It was hard work, but then we knew it would be, and the most important thing is the three points.

"I'm glad it's over, I thought they were a good side and they caused us problems, but fortunately their best chance hit the bar and not the back of the net.

"I don't think we were at our best, I don't want to give excuses but fatigue was probably a factor. But give credit to the Spanish, they really came at us and made it very difficult.

"We weren't all guns blazing, didn't play our best football, but I can't fault their endeavour to keep trying to get a goal - and it's a merry Christmas for all now."

Powell explained that her players performed better in the second period, but said that she believed they deserved to take the three points.

"In the second half we came out a little stronger, we had to address a few issues and the players responded well. We were more tenacious and vibrant in our play.

"If you look at the game as a whole, on the balance of play I think we were deserved to win.

"It's been a long, tough year for the girls. It's difficult for everybody to recharge after the World Cup, with club football as well, but that's how it is and we have to contend with it.

"Our expectations have certainly increased and so have those of the supporters. We demand more of ourselves and I think we are always striving to achieve more.

"With nine points in the group, another clean sheet, I think everyone will welcome this break and come back next year refreshed and ready to go again."

Teams:

England: 1 Rachel Brown, 2 Alex Scott, 3 Casey Stoney, 4 Jill Scott, 5 Faye White (c), 6 Anita Asante, 7 Karen Carney, 8 Fara Williams, 9 Eniola Aluko (18 Lianne Sanderson 55), 10 Kelly Smith, 11 Rachel Yankey

Subs Not Used: 12 Mary Phillip, 13 Siobhan Chamberlain, 14 Rachel Unitt, 15 Sue Smith, 16 Lindsay Johnson, 17 Jody Handley

Spain: 1 Ainhoa Tirapu, 2 Marta Torrejon, 4 Melisa Nicolau, 6 Itziar Gurrutxaga (c) (7 Maria Paz Azagra 75), 8 Laura Del Rio, 10 Vanessa Gimber, 11 Sandra Vilanova, 14 Iraia Iturregi (5 Ruth Garcia 70), 15 Noelia Aybar, 17 Gurutze Fernandez (16 Maria Jose Perez 64), 18 Erika Vazquez

Subs Not Used: 3 Marina Torras, 9 Adriana Martin, 12 Maria Paz Vilas, 13 Maria Sanchez

Referee: Claudine Brohet

Attendance: 8,753