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England and Austria complete semifinal lineup

Mark Meadows
July 30, 2017

Jodie Taylor gave England the edge over France to set up a meeting with the Dutch in the Women's Euro semifinals. Tournament debutants Austria face Denmark after overcoming Spain on penalties after a dour 0-0 draw.

https://p.dw.com/p/2hPWy
Fußball EM England - Frankreich
Image: Picture-Alliance/dpa/M. Egerton

England 1 - 0 France  
Taylor 60'

England beat old rivals France for the first time since 1974 to make the semifinals after a nervy 1-0 win in the Netherlands.

The tension could be cut with a knife in Deventer as neither side managed a shot on target in the first half, with England's Millie Bright having a half chance when she headed well wide.

Jill Scott was lucky to get away with just a booking after a two-footed challenge.

Eugenie Le Sommer went closer with her headed effort early in the second half before striker Jodie Taylor struck after a through ball from Lucy Bronze. France goalkeeper Sarah Bouhaddi got a hand to Taylor's clipped finish but it was not enough to keep it out.

France came to life in a desperate attempt to level following Taylor's fifth of the tournament but despite heavy pressure, they could not find the final touch to force a goal.

England goalkeeper Karen Bardsley even went off injured but deputy Siobhan Chamberlain managed to hold out, despite an early flap at a cross.

France were among the favorites ahead of the tournament but have flattered to deceive throughout.

The Lionesses, runners-up in 2009, meet hosts the Netherlands in the last four on Thursday. Both sides have 100 percent records so far.

Austria 0-0 Spain (Austria win 5-3 on pens)

Frauen-Fußball-EM: Österreich - Spanien
Image: Getty Images/D. Mouhtaropoulos

Austria managed what more illustrious neighbours Germany could not on Sunday and reached the Euro 2017 last four in their first ever major tournament.

Spain dominated possession with 68 per cent of the ball in the first half but they barely conjured up a chance in front of a paltry Tilburg crowd of below 4,000.

Austria were happy to sit back and then burst forward on the break with Laura Feiersinger looking lively.

In the second half the Austrians almost broke the deadlock early on when substitute Nadine Prohaska, on for distraught injury victim Lisa Makas, had a header from a corner saved by Sandra Panos.

But the game was dreadful in truth and did not improve in a weary extra-time.

The players suddenly woke up for the penalty shootout and finally found their shooting boots, all except Spain's Silvia Meseguer who had her weaker effort well saved by Manuela Zinsberger.

Austria will play Denmark on Thursday after the Danes stunned defending champions Germany.