England equalise to reach Euros - all in 16 seconds

Thursday 09 Apr 2015
England Women's U19s midfielder Leah Williamson steps up to take the penalty

England Women's U19s sealed their place at this summer's Euro Finals with a 2-2 draw against Norway in bizarre circumstances on Thursday evening 

The two nations had previously met on Saturday, when Norway ran out as controversial 2-1 winners after Leah Williamson's stoppage-time spot kick was incorrectly ruled out by the match officials with no re-take awarded.

England Women U19s 2-2 Norway U19s

UEFA European U19 Women's Championship
Elite Qualifying Round
9.45pm, Thursday 8 April 2015
Seaview, Belfast

That decision and a subsequent appeal by England led to UEFA ordering a replay of the 16-seconds of remaining time, starting from the penalty-kick and the remaining few seconds after that, with both teams fielding the same players who were on the pitch at full time in the first game.

And after both England and Norway had won their final group games on Thursday afternoon, it proved crucial as the Lionesses went into the game knowing that they needed to equalise from the spot if they were to qualify for the finals as table-toppers.

Watch the replay of England Women's U19s taking on Norway for a place in the Euros

Arsenal Ladies starlet Williamson held her nerve to score her second penalty of the day, after earlier netting one in England's 3-1 win over Switzerland, before the final whistle came just seconds after Norway had re-started the match.

It's certainly a moment that won't be forgotten, but with two wins and a draw to show from their three Elite Round games, it will certainly make Marley a happy head coach before the squad head home on Friday and begin their plans for the Finals in Israel this summer.

By Nicholas Veevers Content Manager - FA Owned Channels