Published on : 30/07/2022 – 09:51
Author of an anthology goal in the semi-final once morest Sweden, Alessia Russo is making a name for herself thanks to the Women’s Euro. The Manchester United striker is not a starter, but is effective every time she enters the field. She might still shine in the final once morest Germany.
Some have already elected him as THE goal of this Euro female 2022. In the semi-final once morest Sweden, the Englishwoman Alessia Russo performed a stroke of genius that will remain as one of the striking images of the competition. At the 68e minute, following having stumbled on the Scandinavian goalkeeper, Hedvig Lindahl, she attempted a heel which passed between the legs of the Swede and which spun into the opposing goal.
On social networks, many football stars have not failed to greet this incredible inspiration. “I always dreamed of scoring such a goal. It never happened. Hats off to Alessia,” reacted American legend Abby Wambach. “I’m not going to lie. It was amazing,” also wrote Australian striker Sam Kerr. “The nerves you have to have, my god”, has for his part commented Team USA star Megan Rapinoe.
I dreamt of scoring a goal like that my whole life. Never happened. @alessiarusso7 take a bow. Go on England.
— Abby Wambach (@AbbyWambach) July 26, 2022
England manager Sarina Wiegman also congratulated her player during the press conference following her team qualified for the final once morest Germany: “It takes so much courage to make a gesture as unpredictable and phenomenal as that.”
Asked regarding this extraordinary goalthe main interested party, who is now nicknamed “Lessi”, a diminutive of Alessia in reference to Messi by English fans, simply said that she had tried it: “I just thought it was the way quickest to send the ball into the net without having to turn around and I was lucky that it worked”.
The super–substitute
Since the start of the Euro, 23-year-old Alessia Russo has proven to be a luxury substitute. She scored four goals on 4 shots on target, while she did not start any match. It’s only been two years since she joined the senior English team following having climbed all the selections in hope. In twelve games in the Lionesses jersey, she has already scored eight goals.
The “Super-sub” (super-replacement) has been used to making an impression since a very young age. Born in Kent, she comes from an Italian family. His grandfather, a Sicilian, who arrived in Britain in the 1950s, was a great football fan. Alessia and her two brothers naturally turned to this sport. The little girl joined her first club at the age of 5. At the time, she was already so talented that she played on both the girls’ and boys’ teams.
After joining Charlton Academy, she is spotted by Chelsea. But the chemistry does not work and Alessia Russo decides to leave for Brighton. The young footballer then asks herself questions regarding the future of her career. Is football not too risky a choice? She finally accepts a scholarship to study in the United States, at the University of North Carolina. A decision that allows him to continue to practice his sport while obtaining a diploma. “The American game is very physical and fast. It focuses on the athletic aspect of the players,” she told the Telegraph. “The experience I gained in the United States is incredible.”
From North Carolina to Manchester United
After two years spent on the other side of the Atlantic, Alessia Russo finally decides to return home due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Two months following her return, she signs a contract with her heart club Manchester United. His beginnings are thunderous. She scored her first goal for the Mancunians once morest her former club Brighton & Hove Albion and was named Player of the Month for October 2020 with three goals and one assist in three appearances. At the same time, she joined the English selection. In November 2021, she became a legend by scoring a hat-trick once morest Latvia in just eleven minutes, a record for an Englishman, male and female players combined.
Sunday at Wembley, in the final once morest Germany, the challenge looks more difficult. Since the start of the tournament, the Frauen-Nationalmannschaft has not received only one goal in the semi-final once morest the French. Despite this looming challenge and the huge expectation of English fans, the striker remains zen. For Alessia Russo, the recipe for success is simple. “I think when you enjoy playing your football, you give your best, she summed up following qualifying. I just like playing football”.