September 23, 2002

England do just enough to reach play-off final

Colin A. Aldis

It was not easy, with nerves playing an important part of the performance, but a late goal by Amanda Barr was enough for England to get past Iceland, 3-2 on aggregate, in this UEFA/WWC 2003 play-off semi-final.

England now have to play France. A two leg final played home and away,the matches will decide who joins the other four UEFA teams in the 4th FIFA finals in China. Unfortunately FIFA decided to award only 5 places for UEFA teams in 2003, other wise both could be celebrating a trip to China next September.

Ironically, the Philadelphia Charge WUSA club will again have some influence on the next matches, as Marinette Pichon will be doing her best to get France into their first Finals appearance, even though her team-mate Kelly Smith will be missing through injury.

England will be able to welcome back captain Karen Walker, who was the heroine of the tie with Iceland when she scored a late equaliser in Reykjavik. She was suspended for one match, due to
a 2nd caution in the qualifying rounds.

Despite England going close early on and Karen Burke hitting the bar again, the late goal settled the nerves. For a late goal by Iceland, who played well in the second half, could have given them a place in the final instead.

The provisional date for the first leg, with England at home, is 17th October 2002.