The first ever stage of the Women’s Euro Beach Soccer League came to a dramatic close with an action-packed third period in the final, held on Sunday in Nazaré.
Goals from Molly Clark and Anne Meiwald proved to be the difference as England defeated Spain, who they last met in the final of the World Beach Games in Qatar, where La Roja walked away with the gold medals.
ESP 1-3 ENG – Final
The two top ranked teams in the world met on the sands of Nazaré to contend the title of the first ever Women’s Euro Beach Soccer League stage.
The match started in a stubborn stalemate straight from kick-off and the scoreboard remained unchanged mainly due to the heroics of Hannah Haughton, as Spain had the lions’ share of the chance in the opening period.
As the second period started, the tension increased but still the opening goal didn’t come, as Laia between the Spanish sticks was tested more and more. The deadlock was broken by a blistering run from debutant Meiwald who smashed in the opener.
Sarah Kempson, England captain, hits a signature left-footed strike
A mix-up between keeper and defender saw Spaniard Jessica double the English advantage with a misplaced back-pass. Soon after, Fresneda cemented her Top Scorer of the event with a calmly hit penalty.
Mendez’ squad had found hope in the dying minute, but it was soon snuffed out by a late Molly Clark penalty, and the final whistle went with the score at 3-1, and wild celebrations from the English bench.
The Lionesses make history, out-performing their old rivals to claim the first ever EBSL Regular Stage.
Goals: 0-1: Meiwald, min. 11 (3); 0-2: Jessica (OG), min. 5 (3); 1-2: Fresneda, min. 4 (3); 1-3: Clark, min. 2 (3);
