England's 2-1 win against Norway secures its longest World Cup run

England is into the final eight of the FIFA Women’s World Cup thanks to defender Lucy Bronze, whose rocket shot in the 76th minute gave the Three Lionesses a 2-1 win over Norway in Ottawa.

The strike, which came from about 22 yards out, capped a comeback by the British, who fended off more than 50 minutes of unabated Norwegian attack. However, after dominating the possession, Norway managed just one goal in the 54th minute off a corner kick.

While that should have been the dagger in a one-sided game, it seemed to actually inspire England to play better. Stephanie Houghton scored the equalizer in the 61st minute off a header that went across the goal and off the far post. And from then on, the game swayed in England’s favor. Norway looked gassed and had no answer to get back into the game.

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It helped that England goalkeeper Karen Bardsley thwarted almost all of the Norwegian attacks, including a couple breakaways. Even the goal had to go off the crossbar to cross the goal line.

Norway came into the tournament as one of only four teams to win a Women’s World Cup. After finishing second in Group B — it actually tied with Germany but dropped in goal differential — Norway was a favorite to emerge from the weaker side of the World Cup bracket to challenge for the title.

The win marks England’s first after the group stage in a World Cup. It will play Canada on Saturday for a spot in the semifinals.

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