By Connor Wagner
Iceland will regret not coming away from the game with more after a missed penalty in a 1-1 draw with Belgium at the Academy Stadium. Berglind Thorvaldsdottir’s opener ended up being cancelled out by Vanhaevermaet.
"Iceland - Serbia/2011 FIFA Women's World Cup qualification UEFA Group 1" By Helgi Halldórsson, Licensed by (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Iceland had the opening opportunity to take the lead, after a penalty was given to Iceland after Jonsdottir was considered to have handled the ball in the area. Thorvaldsdottir stepped up but her tame effort was easily saved by goalkeeper Nicky Evrard.
Iceland were able to open the scoring 5 minutes into the second half, this time Thorvaldsdottir was able to make amends. Lea Vilhjalmsdottir’s cross was met at the far post by the striker and was able to head home to give Iceland their first goal at the tournament.
The celebrations wouldn’t last long as Belgium got a penalty of their own. Sveindis Jonsdottir brought down Dhont just inside the box and the Belgium player was able to win her team the penalty.
Vanhaevermaet was able to coolly conver from the penalty spot, firing the ball into the bottom right corner of the net and sending Sigurdardottir the wrong way. The game was on with 20 minutes to go.
Chances came thick and fast for both teams, but it would be Belgium who nearly took the lead. Wullaert ‘s curling effort was heading goalbound but Sigurdardottir was able to dive full stretch to deny the Belgian captain.
Final chance went the way of Belgium, and it looked as if there was another penalty for the Belgians. This time it was Sigurdardottir who brought down Cayman in the box. But as soon as the referee awarded the penalty, the decision was changed as the offside flag was raised.
Belgium will take on France in their second Group D match, hosted at New York Stadium, while Iceland take on Italy at Manchester City Academy Stadium. Both games are set to take place on July 14.
Comments