EDMONTON, Canada — Fara Williams struck an extra-time winner from the penalty spot as England defeated Germany 1-0 to claim third place in the Women’s World Cup on Saturday.
The Lionesses gained some consolation for their heartbreaking defeat by Japan in the semifinals as they produced a gritty display to sink the twice world champions.
A fiercely competitive game, scoreless after normal time, was decided three minutes into the second extra-time period when England substitute Lianne Sanderson was pulled down by Tabea Kemme and Williams coolly slotted home.
The win was the first for England’s women against Germany.
The team from the United States faces defending champions Japan in Sunday’s final at BC Place in Vancouver.