The team's players covered their faces with their hands as the referee announced the conclusion of extra time and the beginning of the feared penalty shootout in the Lionesses' Euro final againstSpain.
But not more than five minutes later, fans from England at Croydon's Box Park burst into delight asChloe Kellyscored the decisive penalty kick.
A night that might have been ended up becoming one of extraordinary achievement asSarina WiegmanTheir side secured a historic consecutive title in Basel.
And supporters who had assembled in the southLondonTo lift their spirits across the finish line, they had experienced every feeling as pure relief and joy overwhelmed them at the conclusion of a dramatic shoot-out.
The sound of the music playing from the venue's numerous speakers was barely audible against the loud noise made by the crowd, which had witnessed the game slip away in the first half and was now on the verge of a Spanish win in the second.
As large inflatable footballs filled Box Park at the final whistle, 29-year-old Danielle Howardbourne expressed her feelings on a special evening, while the crowds sang "Sweet Caroline" and "It's Coming Home" as she spoke.
"Honestly, they've really tested us throughout this tournament, but what an amazing conclusion," she said.
Although we didn't perform very well during the tournament, I always believed we would win in the end.
In the usual English style, the Lionesses made things difficult for themselves in a chaotic Euros.
A final-minute goal against Italy allowed them to advance to extra-time in the semi-final, where Kelly ultimately scored the winning goal to secure tonight's match against Monste Tome's formidable Spanish team.
And, reminiscent of their magnificent extra-time triumph in 2022, the Lionesses waited until the final moments, having been under pressure for most of the first half.
Many individuals in this field believed they would eventually succeed, even those who had previously informed MailOnline that they had felt 'nervous all day' before the match began.
Ms. Howardbourne's confidence in the team allowed her to cancel her plans for tomorrow night to 'party all through the night'.
She isn't the only one. Izzy Herson, 37, came from Brighton to Croydon to see it on the big screen alongside hundreds of other fans.
And she'll return home with a £280 profit from wagering on England to secure victory through penalties.
I never had any doubts about us," she said. "The moment Chloe Kelly came onto the field, I knew that was the turning point, and she secured the victory for us. Chloe Kelly all the way.
I'm heading back home now to celebrate and throw a big party. Come on, England!
Julie McCauley, 60, hailing from London, has been involved in football throughout her life with women's teams like Friends of Fulham and Wimbledon, and she finds it amazing to witness the development of the sport.
She wore a shirt that her friend, the famous Lioness Marieanne Spacey, had used in a match and said: 'To see this now after having played football for so many years is just amazing, truly amazing.'
I mentioned that [Alessia] Russo would score before the match. I wished England could achieve it within 90 minutes, but to experience this feeling once more since 2022 is truly incredible.
We have the potential to achieve even greater success. This team is remarkable, Sarina is a truly exceptional person, and I wouldn't be surprised if they secure more victories.
I was aware that we needed to prevent Spain from having room to play, and I felt anxious, but we performed well. We lost Lucy Bronze, and I feared it might not work out, but our substitutes came in and were outstanding.
I'm extremely proud of this team. We'll remain here for some time, celebrate through the night or at least until my voice is completely gone, and savor the moment with all these people.
A former Lioness and associate of Ms. McCauley, Brenda Sampare, who earned 54 caps from 1983 to 1995, shared with MailOnline prior to the game her excitement about the development of women's football.
She stated, "The fields we used to play on were terrible. No showers, almost no grass, but we did it because of our passion for the sport and the team spirit. The game now is unrecognizable."
I've always been a fan of the Lionesses, and it's truly amazing. I never imagined witnessing this moment in my lifetime. We didn't think we'd see it in 2022, let alone experience it again. It's unbelievable.
Alex Evans, 35, hailing from Livingston in Scotland, resides close to Croydon and was cheering for the Lionesses this evening.
He stated: "It might seem unusual for a Scottish individual to back England, but the Lionesses are truly remarkable."
I'll truly appreciate this environment and hope to catch my breath. That was an extremely stressful game to observe.
After England scored, I believed they would win through penalties, but it was just about reaching that point. However, Spain is incredible. They are the top team globally, so it was remarkable to defeat them.
Throughout the match, worried supporters shared with MailOnline that they had started using rituals, such was their tension.
Rebecca Lee, 25, mentioned that she was in the restroom when Russo equalized in the first half, which she believed was a positive sign.
And, as England won the trophy this evening, she informed us that she went to the bathroom once more when the whistle sounded at the end of extra time.
As she speaks, it's almost impossible to hear anyone else in the arena — which is not emptying fast.
Numerous people will spend the remainder of the evening enjoying a large karaoke audio setup positioned on the central stage, featuring hits such as Oasis's Wonderwall, Angels by Robbie Williams, and We Are The Champions playing loudly.
This is a night that fans who gathered in south London will not soon forget. And local pubs in the area might have a particular Chloe Kelly to thank for it.
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