England won 1-0 against Austria in the Women's European Championship 2022

England won 1-0 against Austria in the Women’s European Championship 2022.

In front of a record-breaking crowd, the women’s European Championship got underway with pregame pyrotechnics. But hosted England struggled to a 1-0 victory against Austria at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

The 68,871 spectators, which surpassed the previous record of 41,301 for a European Championship game from Sweden’s 2013 final, gave England a rousing start thanks to the energy of the primarily young and boisterous crowd.

After being set up by Fran Kirby, Beth Mead scored the game-winning goal for the Lionesses in the 16th minute by dinking the ball over Austrian goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger.

MORE: Nadal is not sure about playing Wimbledon semi-final due to injury.

Although Carina Wenninger, an Austrian defender, made a heroic effort to clear the ball off the line, it was determined that it had crossed the line since her effort hit the bar and flew away from the goal.

It was Mead’s 15th goal in as many games for her nation. Ten minutes later, Lioness’s all-time leading scorer Ellen White almost missed scoring a second goal with a header from a cross by Lauren Hemp.

With Kirby making some astute passes on the left and Georgia Stanway finding space to create, it seemed like England might swiftly build a comfortable lead.

But although England eventually lost its early burst of energy, the Austrians formed a tight shape and sometimes threatened on the break.

The squad of Dutch coach Sarina Wiegman failed to produce clear-cut opportunities and lacked aggression in the attack.

The coach made three substitutions in the 64th minute to inject some life into the game.

Austria played the majority of the game on the back foot. Still, in the 78th minute, Barbara Dunst’s curling attempt was narrowly saved by England goalkeeper Mary Earps.

According to Wiegman, it was the first match of the competition that led the Netherlands to victory as its coach in 2017.

“It’s crucial to win the game to get off to a strong start. In this game, I believe we displayed a variety of phases, some of which were positive, “Added her.

Mead was more gushing after enjoying the crowd’s singing at the game’s conclusion.

“beyond the pale. What an incredible way to start the competition. I’m delighted to score for the team, “She said to the BBC.

On Thursday in Southampton, England’s other Group A opponents, Northern Ireland and Norway will square off.

Irene Fuhrmann, the coach of Austria, was satisfied with how her squad handled the contest.

“I’m quite pleased with how we played and how well we performed. However, we are ultimately going with no points, which is disappointing, “She stated.