England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton discarded Spain's goalkeeper's game plan notes during the Euro shoot-out and revealed this action.
In a thrilling turn of events at the Euro 2025 final, England's goalkeeper Hannah Hampton pulled off a clever tactic to gain an advantage in the penalty shootout against Spain.
During the match, Hampton seized Cata Coll's water bottle when the Spanish goalkeeper was not looking. The bottle, it was later revealed, was allegedly packed with notes containing information about each Lioness player for the shootout.
With the stage set for the decisive moment, Hampton tossed the water bottle, causing a distraction that reportedly disrupted Coll's focus. The move, while seemingly innocuous, seemed to have a significant impact, as England went on to win the shootout 3-1, with goals from Alex Greenwood, Niamh Charles, and Chloe Kelly.
The action left Coll empty-handed and England celebrating their victory, retaining their European Championship title. Hampton's tactic, while unconventional, proved to be a vital factor in the outcome of the match.
Hammond's performance in the final was not her only notable achievement. She was named on the Ballon d'Or shortlist as well as the Yashin Trophy shortlist, recognition of her exceptional skill and impact on the game.
Moreover, Hampton was named in the Team of the Tournament last week, further cementing her status as a standout player in the competition. Her actions in the final are likely to add another accolade to her collection, as she is in line to be awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours list.
The match between Spain and England was a closely contested affair, with the score remaining 1-1 after 90 minutes. It went to extra-time but could not be separated, leading to the need for penalties to decide the winner.
Hammond saved attempts from Ballon d'Or contenders Caldentey and Aitana Bonmati during the shootout, further demonstrating her exceptional skill and focus under pressure. The final was a fitting end to a tournament filled with drama and excitement, and Hampton's actions will undoubtedly be remembered as a defining moment in the history of women's football.
Hammond revealed her action during an interview with talkSPORT on Friday, offering a glimpse into the tactics and strategies employed by the England team in their quest for victory. The incident has sparked debate and discussion among fans and pundits alike, with some praising Hampton for her ingenuity and others criticising her for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Regardless of opinion, there is no denying that Hampton's actions had a significant impact on the outcome of the match and will be remembered as a key moment in the history of women's football. The Euro 2025 final was a fitting showcase for the skill, determination, and innovation of the players involved, and Hampton's tactic was a testament to the spirit of competition that drives the sport.
In the midst of the debate surrounding Hampton's actions, some sports analysts have begun to dissect the impact they had on the European-leagues, specifically the Premier-League. They argue that such unconventional tactics could potentially alter the landscape of football, encouraging more teams to adopt similar strategies.
As the dust settles on the Euro 2025 final, Hampton's name is not only synonymous with England's victory but also with the evolution of sports tactics in European-leagues, particularly football.
