Great Britain’s Ladies pulled off a coup in the World University Games by beating Brazil in a penalty shoot-out to reach the last four.
The tournament is taking place in Serbia, and Britain now take on Japan in the semi-finals with a clash against either France or South Korea waiting in the final.
Most of Britain’s squad are regulars in England’s Under-23 side and ply their trade in the FA Tesco Women’s Premier League, so are used to big game occasions.
Nevertheless their performances are being recognised by Hope Powell, Coach of the England Women’s national team.
“I have been in regular contact with my senior staff who are supporting the girls at the World University Games,” she said.
“I wish the players the best of luck for the rest of the tournament. The atmosphere at a multi-sports event is second to none.
“I had the privilege of being in the athlete’s village at the Beijing Olympics and it is great to see football form part of a multi-sport environment: as it will be in London 2012.”
Great Britain fell behind early on in their quarter-final with Brazil, Dayane Rocha the scorer on 9 minutes. However, Alex Culvin equalised to take the game into extra-time, before GB finally won 2-0 in a penalty shoot-out.
Japan are next up today in the last four, after they beat China 1-0 whilst England’s conquerors in the group stages – Russia – lost on penalties against South Korea.
Great Britain now has a record of one win, one draw and one defeat in the World University Games after opening their account with a 10-0 thumping of Estonia.
A 1-0 defeat to Russia followed but the withdrawal of Chinese Tapei ensured Great Britain reached the knock-out stages.
All of which has impressed captain of England and
Arsenal Ladies, Faye White.
She said: “I have been following the results online and through various people in the squad. It is a great achievement for the girls to reach the quarter-finals and highlights the importance of the university sporting sector for the women’s game.
“I play with Lauren Walker and Faye Marsh (both study at University of Hertfordshire) at Arsenal and it is great to see them getting some international experience at these Games. I wish the girls all the best of luck for the finals.”
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