England 3-1 Australia: Lionesses reach first ever Women’s World Cup final
England have beaten Australia 3-1 in a packed out stadium in Sydney booking their place in the 2023 Women’s World Cup final.
Tournament co-hosts Australia had the advantage of 75,784 – mostly Matilda fans – cheering them on.
But England put in a professional and composed performance to secure their first world cup final (men’s or women’s) since 1966 – when the men’s team won the world cup.
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‘Composed England’
Ella Toone gave the Lionesses the lead in the first half with a superb strike which slammed into the top corner. The rest of the half saw the Lionesses control the game and put in a solid performance.
But a moment of magic from the Matildas’ Sam Kerr who equalised for Australia when she struck a 25-yard stunner over goalkeeper Mary Earps.
But England did not let it phase them and dug deep during periods Australia enjoyed possession.
England’s striker Lauren Hemp pounded on a defensive error to restore the lead, before fellow striker Alessia Russo added a final goal for the Lionesses in the 86th minute.
‘England silence Matildas Mania’
The Lionesses now have one thing on their mind – winning the World Cup. It all comes down to one more game – against Spain on Sunday.
The build-up to this semi-final match against the Aussies has dominated much of Australia this week – in what’s been dubbed “Matildas Mania.”
Fans were queuing outside fan parks in Sydney five hours before kickoff, train stations decorated in yellow and green, sold-out Matildas merchandise and newspapers splashing the Aussie girls’ faces.
England were going into this game as the underdogs. When they first stepped onto the pitch they were booed but the Lionesses know how to handle big occasions and hostile crowds.
They were able to disrupt the Matildas’ rhythm and made every attempt to frustrate the crowd, taking their time with throw-ins and shutting down counter-attacks.
For much of the match that approach worked, but when Kerr equalised, England had to find another way – and they did.
England’s defence once again proved why they are so great. They made blocks, tackles and headed away relentless balls into the box.
England have only conceded three goals in this tournament – one from a penalty during the China match and the other two from Sam Kerr and Colombia’s Leicy Santos. Both those goals can be described as sensational goals that no keeper is saving.
Once again Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo’s partnership up front ultimately decided the game – both of them hunting loose balls and weaving through to put pressure up front.
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‘Lionesses focused on glory’
The celebrations weren’t as wild as you’d expected. The players were a little subdued, perhaps due to most of the fans in the stadium being fans of Australia, or perhaps they’ve got business on their minds.
England have been superb under Sarina Wiegman – arguably the team’s greatest asset. In her time as boss, England have been crowned European champions, they’ve won the Finalissima – in a dramatic shootout with Brazil, and now they are in their first Women’s World Cup final.
They will face Spain on Sunday. One more hurdle before they can bring it home.
The Lionesses have already made history – can they take it one step further?