Ruthless England crush Germany
England's women are safely through to the quarter-finals
of the World Championships after a ruthless victory over Germany.
Suzy Eul, Lucy Lynch and Ailsa Stott all top-scored with
four goals each as England cantered to a 22-0 triumph
England played with plenty of confidence and it was testmament
to the team that nine different players were on the scoresheet
as they booked a showdown with either Japan or Wales in the
next round.
Stott starred in attack with her second hat-trick is as many
games, while Eul and Lynch were also clinical in front of
goal.
Allison Smith also scored a hat-trick, while Sarah Butt (2),
Emily Garvey (2), Katy Bennett, Rachel Kirchheimer and Felicity
Hermsen got the rest of the goals.
England led 12-0 at half-time and had a total of 43 shots
to Germany's two shots in the whole match, while goalkeeper
Rachana Shetty just had one save to make.
England's defence, as it had been in their 11-6 win over
Canada, was commendable.
'We were very good at the back,' said head coach Lois Richardson.
'It was a disciplined team performance. With all the respect
to Germany, they've made big improvements, but we just wanted
to get that game out of the way.'
Indeed, and England were professional from start to finsh
in their first game in the Navy Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.
'It was hot and the players coped with the heat well. We're
improving, getting used to the heat and playing with a lot
more confidence,' added Richardson.
A view shared by defender Alex Harle, playing the her third
World Cup having played in High Wycombe, four years ago, and
in Edogawa, Japan (1997).
'Everything is coming together nicely,' said Harle. 'We've
defended well in the last two matches and scored some good
goals in attack.
'I'm enjoying playing in the World Cup. I was the youngest
player in the England team eight years ago, so I'm here this
year as one of the more experienced players.
'We're gaining in confidence and playing as a team. That
wasn't too evident in our first couple of matches against
the United States and Australia, but on saying that they were
always going to be tough games.
'We've settled and looking forward to our next match. It's
getting exciting for everyone now because we are down to the
knockout stages.'
England have a day off tomorrow (Wednesday) before playing
their next match on Thursday (2pm), against either Japan or
Wales
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