England defeat Australia 3-1, reach first Women’s World Cup final
The English players celebrating a victory
England reached the Women’s World Cup final for the first time as they spoiled co-hosts Australia’s party on a historic evening in Sydney.
Silencing a sell-out crowd at Stadium Australia, the Lionesses became the first English side since 1966 to reach the final on the world stage.
It caps a sensational two years under manager Sarina Wiegman as England, crowned European champions for the first time last year on home soil, showed their superiority and know-how to see off an Australia side spurred on by a nation who have been inspired by the Matildas’ success.
Ella Toone gave England the lead in the first half with a superb first-time strike which sailed into the top corner.
The Lionesses controlled proceedings until the second half when Australia threw everything at them and star striker Sam Kerr – starting her first match of the tournament – struck a 25-yard stunner over goalkeeper Mary Earps’ head to make it 1-1.
But England, as they so often do, found a way back into the game when Lauren Hemp pounced on a defensive error to restore their lead, before Alessia Russo made sure of victory late on to set up a final with Spain on Sunday.
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The goal from Alessia Russo in the 86th minute — courtesy of a no-look pass from Lauren Hemp — sealed the semifinal win for England, giving the Lionesses a 3-1 victory.
Australia missed several chances late before Russo put the game away. As Hemp dribbled through the defense, Russo slowed her run to make sure she stayed onside, then took the pass and put a hard, right-footed shot past a diving Mackenzie Arnold.
At the final whistle, England got goals from Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo in the final 20 minutes, and the European champions spoiled the host nation’s party with a 3-1 win Wednesday morning. Australia’s Sam Kerr scored for the hosts, but missed two late chances.
England will play Spain in Sunday’s final, and it would be the first title for either team. It’s also England’s first trip to the final after making the semis at the last two World Cups.
Though England was considered a favorite coming in, this has been something of an improbable run. The Lionesses lost three of their best players to injury, and have had to scrap through some games while in Australia.
But with the game — a chance for the title — on the line, The Lionesses found another gear, and showed why they are arguably the best team in the world right now.