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Women's World Cup | Group Stage

Jun 13, 2015 at 9pm UK

England Women England Women
2-1
Mexico Women Mexico Women

Kirby (70'), Carney (82')

FT(HT: 0-0)

Ibarra (91')

Match Report

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Football

Late goals keep England World Cup hopes alive

By Chris O'Keefe, Reporter

Published: June 13 2015 | 22:51

Last updated: June 14 2015 | 17:57

Fran Kirby and Karen Carney score late on as England beat Mexico to boost their chances of reaching the Women's World Cup knockout phase.

England scored twice in the final 20 minutes to earn their first win at the Women's World Cup against Mexico and put themselves on course for a place in the last 16.

Mark Sampson's side regularly threatened a breakthrough in the opening 45 minutes, with Fran Kirby hitting the target on several occasions without finding the back of the net.

England's forward Fran Kirby reacts after scoring a goal during a Group F match at the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup between England and Mexico at Moncton Stadium, New Brunswick on June 13, 2015 © Getty Images

On 33 minutes, Manchester City striker Toni Duggan also tried to give England the lead only for her effort to be stopped by Cecilia Santiago.

England's best chance of a first-half breakthrough came moments before the interval as Eniola Aluko's shot from the edge of the area left Santiago beaten, but came back off the woodwork.

Mexico continued to play on the back foot and nearly conceded just before the hour mark when Alex Greenwood's free kick reached Steph Houghton, whose header was wide.

Moments later, Aluko was denied when the Chelsea forward's low shot almost dribbled through Santiago into the net, only to roll agonisingly wide of the right post.

The Mexicans fired a warning shot of their own on 61 minutes when Stephany Mayor unleashed a fierce shot which was straight at Karen Bardsley.

Fara Williams then tried a speculative effort from a free kick, looking to exploit Santiago's poor positioning, but the Liverpool star was unable to tuck her shot inside the left post.

However, England's persistence finally paid off when Kirby weaved into space in the penalty area before poking the ball past Santiago and into the net off the post.

Kirby almost added a second before the busy Mexico keeper produced a flying save to turn her shot away, but Sampson's side made sure of a 2-0 victory when Karen Carney headed home seven minutes from time.

Mexico scored a stoppage-time consolation as Fabiola Ibarra prodded a rebound past Bardsley, but the Three Lions held on for victory and another win in their final Group F game against Colombia will put them into the last 16.