It was hard, but the essential is there.

The English successfully launched "their" Euro with a narrow but precious victory against a valiant Austria (1-0), Wednesday at Old Trafford, in front of 68,871 people, a record for a European Women's Championship match.

After days of feverish expectation, the public at the Manchester United stadium gave a very warm welcome to those they hope will avenge English honor, a year after the men's final defeat on penalties against the 'Italy.

As soon as they arrived on the pitch for the warm-up, an indescribable hubbub arose from the stands, which were still sparsely filled, and the

God Save the Queen

was sung with the fervor of great sporting moments.

The first minutes were a little hesitant, however, due both to understandable nervousness, which led to an unusual loss for the English, and to the great intensity put in by the Austrians.

But in the wake of their attackers Lauren Hemp and Beth Mead, who were a poison for the defense, the

Lionesses

ended up finding the fault.

A lack of realism to be corrected

Well started in the back of the defense, Mead was found by Fran Kirby and lobbed the goalkeeper, the “goal line” confirming that the desperate rescue of Carina Wenninger had come a bit too late (1-0, 17th).

This goal completed the release of the English, who should never have reached the break with only one goal in advance.

Ellen White, for example, missed the target twice on headers completely in her strings (27th, 44th), while Hemp saw her recovery deflected by Austrian goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger, from a handball player stop just before halftime.

Alessia Russo, awkward up close (71st), Chloe Kelly too individualistic after a rush from midfield (76th) also left England within reach and without a superb save from Mary Earps (78th), the evening could have turned to disillusion.

This lack of realism will certainly be the main lesson that the very perfectionist Sarina Wiegman will have learned from this match and that she will want to correct at all costs if her players want to meet the expectations placed on her.

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