The United States earned a spot in the Women’s World Cup 2019 final after a 2-1 win over England at Groupama Stadium, in Lyon on Tuesday night. The defending champion will play a third consecutive Women’s World Cup final.
Goals from Christen Press and Alex Morgan were ultimately enough as the 2015 winners reached the final once again.
However, the Lioness striker Ellen White was felt overwhelming pride for her teammates after tough match.
“I’m devastated not to get to the Final, but all I feel is pride for my teammates. We gave everything. The USA produced an amazing match and we couldn’t quite match them.” White told reporters.
“In the first half, we were sloppy but we got ourselves back into the game with the goal. In the second half, we tried to play. We created chances and we’re bitterly disappointed not to reach the Final.
“We’ve got an unbelievable squad and we had so much belief going into the game and into the tournament that we could reach the Final. We just couldn’t quite do it on the night.” White added.
Captain Steph Houghton had the opportunity to force extra time late on when VAR awarded England a penalty. But her penalty kick was saved by the U.S goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher.
“I’m heartbroken but I’m very proud of the team because we fought so hard in this tournament. I got told today that I was on the penalties and I was confident because I had been scoring all week but I didn’t connect with it properly and the goalkeeper guessed the right way.” Houghton said.
“It was so close against the best team in the world but we are so disappointed. I thought we were the better side in terms of how we played football but ultimately, lapses in concentration cost us.” she added.
The United States will meet Netherlands in the Women’s World Cup on Sunday.