Edmonton, Canada: A 108th-minute penalty converted by Fara Williams gave England third place with a 1-0 win over Germany in the Women’s World Cup early this morning.
The third place play-off went into extra time in Edmonton’s Commonwealth Stadium after the teams were locked 0-0 at the end of 90 minutes.
But England were awarded a penalty after Lianne Sanderson was pulled down by Tabea Kemme in the box. And Williams slotted in past former world goalkeeper of the year Nadine Angerer, who was playing her final match for Germany.
Williams’ goal was set up by a pass into the penalty area intended for Sanderson. As Sanderson turned to go after the ball, she was pulled down by Tabea Kemme.
Germany dropped to 18-1-2 against England.
England’s victory over the top-ranked Germans came after a gut-wrenching 2-1 semifinal loss to Japan that was decided on an own goal on Wednesday.
It was a first ever win by sixth-ranked England over world number one team Germany, winners in 2003 and 2007.
United States face defending champions Japan in the final at BC Place in Vancouver early morning tomorrow, Bahrain time.