Greece gave European champions England a major scare in Crete, striking the woodwork and exposing defensive weaknesses before the Lionesses recovered to claim a 3-1 victory in their FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifying play-off first leg.
England arrived as overwhelming favourites, but Greece proved far more difficult to break down than expected, frustrating Sarina Wiegman’s side with a disciplined defensive display before threatening to produce a major upset.
Georgia Stanway, Maya Le Tissier and Alessia Russo scored for England, while Kallisti Brouksair found the net for Greece late in the match to give the hosts a deserved reward for their efforts.
Despite England controlling 74 per cent of possession, Greece repeatedly demonstrated that their opponents were vulnerable when put under pressure.
Greece come close to stunning England
England dominated the opening stages but struggled to turn possession into clear scoring opportunities against Greece’s compact defensive formation.
Lauren James briefly appeared to have opened the scoring with an audacious chip over goalkeeper Fafailia Petaloti, but the goal was ruled out for offside following a VAR review.
Greece gradually grew into the contest and came agonisingly close to taking the lead ten minutes before half-time.
Ioanna Papatheodorou drove forward, evaded challenges from England defenders Esme Morgan and Leah Williamson, and unleashed a shot that struck the junction of the post and crossbar.
The chance sent a clear warning to the European champions and exposed gaps in their defensive organisation.
England responded five minutes later with the breakthrough they desperately needed.
A slick passing move involving Keira Walsh, Stanway and Laura Blindkilde Brown created the opening, with Alessia Russo laying the ball into Stanway’s path. The Arsenal midfielder finished confidently to put England ahead.
England pull clear after the break
England improved following the introduction of Beth Mead at half-time, giving the visitors a more natural attacking option on the right wing.
Le Tissier, playing at right-back in the absence of the injured Lucy Bronze, became increasingly influential as England looked to stretch the Greek defence.
The defender doubled England’s advantage in the 63rd minute, finishing at the near post after Walsh picked her out with a well-timed pass.
Russo then made it 3-0, sweeping home Mead’s delivery to put England firmly in control of the tie.
However, Greece refused to surrender.
Papatheodorou won a physical battle with Morgan before setting up Brouksair, who created space away from Williamson and fired past England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton.
The goal highlighted England’s continuing defensive concerns and gave Greece a fitting reward for their determination.
England pushed for a fourth goal, but Jess Park struck the crossbar during a counterattack as the visitors settled for a two-goal advantage.
England face questions despite victory
The result puts England in a strong position ahead of Tuesday’s second leg in Leicester, where they will look to complete the job and advance to the next stage of World Cup qualifying.
The winners are expected to face Ukraine, who defeated Slovakia 3-1 away from home in their first leg, with a place at next summer’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil at stake.
However, the performance raised questions about England’s ability to compete against the world’s strongest teams.
Wiegman’s side struggled to find solutions against Greece’s deep defensive block and were repeatedly exposed when the hosts attacked with pace.
The concerns echoed England’s 4-0 defeat to Spain in June, reinforcing the view that the reigning European champions must improve if they are to challenge for their first Women’s World Cup title.
England also suffered another injury setback before kick-off, with Lucia Kendall withdrawing because of a minor groin problem after Lucy Bronze had already left the squad.
The match ended on a positive note for England’s younger players, with Grace Fisk and 18-year-old Erica Meg Parkinson making their international debuts. Parkinson became the youngest player to make her England debut under Wiegman, aged 18 years and 174 days.
For Greece, the defeat was a setback, but their performance demonstrated the progress of a side still seeking its first appearance at a major international tournament.
England secured the result they needed, but Greece ensured the European champions left Crete with plenty to consider before the return leg.
Final score: Greece 1-3 England
Goals: Georgia Stanway, Maya Le Tissier, Alessia Russo (England); Kallisti Brouksair (Greece).
Source: The Times
