Women's World Cup: United duo into semi-finals with England
Manchester United Women's Alex Greenwood and Abbie McManus have reached the semi-finals of the Women's World Cup after England beat Norway 3-0 in La Havre.
Greenwood, who scored in the Lionesses' victory over Cameroon in the round of 16, was an unused substitute along with McManus, as Phil Neville's side progressed to the last four for the second tournament in succession.
It took just three minutes for England to make the breakthrough in the quarter-final, as McManus' former Manchester City team-mate Jill Scott finished off a well-worked team goal to settle any pre-match nerves.
Five minutes before the break, the Lionesses struck again, as Nikita Parris threaded the ball through nicely to Ellen White, who slotted home from close range.
What a performance team!! See you in Semi-Finals @Lionesses 👏🏼🏴🦁 https://t.co/Tv4t6SuCHE
— Alex Greenwood (@AlexGreenwood) June 27, 2019
And after a performance like that now everyone starts to believe.....maybe just maybe. It’s good to dream
— Casey Stoney MBE (@CaseyStoney) June 27, 2019
Lucy Bronze ensured a ticket to the last four was secure when she fired in a well-executed set-piece routine from outside the box. And it could have very easily been more, as Parris had a late penalty saved by Norwegian keeper, Ingrid Hjelmseth, while White also struck the post.
However, it certainly won't get any easier for England, with either the host nation France or reigning world champions USA awaiting the Lionesses in the semi-final, which will take place on Tuesday 2 July in Lyon (kick-off 20:00 BST).
GROENEN AND NETHERLANDS FACE ITALY
Meanwhile, fellow United team-mate Jackie Groenen could join England in the semi-finals of the Women's World Cup as Netherlands take on Italy tomorrow (Saturday) in Valenciennes, with kick-off at 15:00 BST. Our prospective new signing played the full 90 minutes in the previous round, as the Dutch dramatically edged past Japan courtesy of a 90th-minute penalty.
The reigning European champions have already eclipsed their best finish in the competition by reaching the last eight, and could meet either Germany or Sweden with a win against the Group C table-toppers.
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