Penalty Gives England Third Place Win Over Germany

England have secured their first ever win over top-ranked Germany and a third place finish at the Women's World Cup in Canada.

A 108th-minute penalty kick by Fara Williams gave the sixth-ranked Lionesses a 1-0 victory at Edmonton's Commonwealth Stadium.

It was their first win over the European champions on their 21st attempt, and helped bury the heartache of the injury time own-goal by defender Laura Bassett which had ended their title bid during a 2-1 semi-final loss to defending champions Japan.

England coach Mark Sampson said: "It feels a lot better to be sitting here after that than it did the other day.

"To bounce back from what was a real, real blow for us, it's an incredible result for the team.

"We knew the challenge we faced today from a world class Germany team.

"I'm just incredibly proud of all the players and staff, to achieve a third place finish, to go home as the top European nation, to finally beat Germany, it was a real big statement for us today.

"It's something that these players will be remembered for forever."

The third place play-off had gone into extra time after the teams were locked 0-0 at the end of 90 minutes.

But England were awarded a penalty into the second period of extra time after Lianne Sanderson was pulled down by Tabea Kemme.

Williams credited the spirit of the team, saying: "We know the squad coming into this tournament had big hope and big beliefs within this 23.

"Our performance today against the European champions showed we're all together, how strong we are."

The exploits of the women's team in their run to the last four caught the imagination of the British public and attracted support from Prince William and men's national team captain Wayne Rooney.

Sampson thanked all those back at home, saying: "The support has been incredible, awesome, amazing.

"It made such a difference for us, we really appreciate it."