England comes from behind to top New Zealand: A fan’s reaction

Posted Saturday, July 02, 2011 by YAHOO Sport

For the first half of the match between England and New Zealand in Group B play of the 2011 Women's World Cup, it looked like the Football Ferns were finally going to get their first win in a World Cup match. New Zealand had less of the possession but was making more opportunities out of what it had than England was.

Just 18 minutes into the match, New Zealand broke through with a goal and its first ever lead in a World Cup game. The team's speed was too much for the English backline and a cross from Amber Hearn found Sarah Gregorius in the English box. Gregorius squeezed in between two England defenders and directed the cross into the net.

England was stunned after conceding the goal and did not look like the side which had done so well in qualifying and even beat the United States in a friendly earlier in 2011. However, the scoring chances which had been lacking started to develop for England in the second half. England struck first in the 63rd minute when midfielder Jill Scott scored on a header.

A draw in the match would have left things wide open for the second quarterfinal spot in Group B. England was determined not to let that happen. Scott would assist on the game-winning goal by Jessica Clarke in the 81st minute. The win propelled England into second place in the group behind Japan, which won 4-0 over Mexico earlier in the day July 1. With their second 2-1 loss, the Ferns were eliminated from the World Cup.

England will play Japan on July 5 in the last match of the group stage. New Zealand will finish its World Cup against Mexico on July 5. England could win the group with a win against Japan.

The English will qualify for the quarterfinal round as long as they get at least a draw with Japan or if Mexico is unable to defeat New Zealand or if their loss and Mexico's win has a combined goal margin of fewer than five goals.