England beats Germany 1-0 in extra time to finish 3rd

EDMONTON, Alberta – Fara Williams scored on a penalty kick in the 108th minute, helping England beat Germany 1-0 on Saturday for third place in the Women’s World Cup.

It was England’s first win in 21 meetings against Germany, and secured the team’s best finish in its four World Cup appearances. The 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.

Williams’ goal was set up by a pass into the penalty area intended for Lianne Sanderson. As Sanderson went for the ball, she was pulled down by Tabea Kemme.

On the penalty kick, Williams hit the ball just inside the left post, while goalkeeper Nadine Angerer faded the other way.

England had previously never won an elimination game, and finished this tournament with a 4-1-1 record.

Germany had several opportunities to tie the game in the final 10 minutes.

Anja Mittag, off a free kick just outside the penalty area, found an opening and got a shot off that was scooped up by goalkeeper Karen Bardsley.

In the 116th minute, Bianca Schmidt got behind England’s defense and headed a cross just wide of the right post.

The two-time champion Germans were coming off a 2-0 loss to the United States on Tuesday.

Germany dropped to 18-1-2 against England.