5 June 2005 - A Starlet Is Born

On 5 June 2005, England beat Finland 3-2 in their opening match of the group stages of the 2005 UEFA Women's European Championship at the City of Manchester Stadium before a crowd of 29,092.

England took an early lead when Finnish defender Sanna Valkonen put the ball into her own net. They then doubled their lead in the 40th minute with a header from striker Amanda Barr. Finland staged a late rally in the second half, however, with an 80th-minute goal from striker Merte Pederson and an 88th-minute equalizer from midfielder Cathrine Paaske Sørenson.

The match appeared to be a certain draw when 17 year old English striker Karen Carney chipped the keeper from 15 yards out in the 91st minute to claim the win. She became an instant star in England, with her style of play drawing favorable comparisons to Wayne Rooney. She also drew attention for the string of expletives that she shouted after scoring the game-winner, for which she was later reprimanded by her mother.

Carney, who started her professional career with Birmingham L.F.C. in 2001, moved to Arsenal L.F.C., where she played from 2006-2009. She currently plays for the Chicago Red Stars in the United States' Womens Professional Soccer league.