Bosnia Women 0-2 England Women: Toni Duggan on target as England top group
Written by News on 11/04/2018
Toni Duggan was on target as England Women beat Bosnia and Herzegovina Women 2-0 in Zenica to help them move top of their World Cup qualification group.
England dominated from start to finish and could have taken the lead in the first half, only to be denied by two fine saves by Bosnia goalkeeper Envera Hasanbegovic.
The Lionesses’ task was made all the more difficult when Alex Greenwood was given her marching orders early in the second half, after picking up a second yellow for simulation, but England remained on top and soon edged in front through Duggan in the 56th minute.
The card-happy referee evened things up when she gave Amira Spahic a second yellow card on the hour mark, before Jodie Taylor’s stoppage-time penalty put the seal on the victory that helped England move back to the top of their 2019 World Cup qualification group above Wales.
Without Fran Kirby in the starting line-up, England looked a little flat early on, but with Bosnia content to sit very deep, England launched attack after attack.
Izzy Christiansen should have scored with an early chance after being picked out by Lucy Bronze, but she skied her effort from close range.
England continued to press. Jade Moore really tested Hasanbegovic from distance, but the Bosnia ‘keeper was equal to it, tipping over acrobatically.
After the break came the controversy. Greenwood appeared to be sent tumbling in the box, but the Greek official decided the England player had dived, and was therefore given a second yellow.
That didn’t slow England down, as Duggan pounced to net what proved to be the winner. The cross from Mel Lawley was on point, Duggan stole a march at the back post, before prodding the volley into the net.
Duggan almost made it two soon after scoring, but her fine effort came out off the post. Spahic’s red card on the hour mark took the edge out of Bosnia’s attack, before Taylor converted from the spot in stoppage time, after Beth Mead had been fouled in the box, to make sure of a crucial three points.
(c) Sky News 2018: Bosnia Women 0-2 England Women: Toni Duggan on target as England top group
