England reached their first Women’s World Cup ultimate after a 3-1 victory over Australia on Wednesday regardless of a surprise purpose from Matildas striker Sam Kerr because the co-hosts’ fairytale run got here to an finish.
Attacking midfielder Ella Toone had given England a first-half lead however a surprising strike from captain Kerr, making her first begin of the event, squared issues up after halftime as Stadium Australia erupted in euphoria.
However, Lauren Hemp restore England’s lead earlier than Alessia Russo put the end result past doubt shortly earlier than the top.
England, who fell on the semi-final stage within the earlier two World Cups, face Spain on Sunday trying so as to add a world title to final 12 months’s European Championship triumph.
Sarina Wiegman’s facet clearly had a recreation plan to impose themselves bodily on Australia, committing 9 fouls within the first half as they nullified their opponents’ attacking choices.
England opened the scoring within the thirty sixth minute when Russo labored her option to the byline earlier than slicing the ball again and Toone smashed it into the highest proper nook for her first purpose of the event.
Australia began the second half a lot brighter and started urgent England larger up the pitch, looking for a historic second that might match Cathy Freeman’s unbelievable 400 metres victory in the identical venue on the 2000 Olympics.
They received it within the 63rd minute when Kerr acquired the ball in her personal half, ran towards purpose and fired an unstoppable rocket into the highest left nook from 25 yards out past the diving Mary Earps.
Sam Kerr of Australia seems dejected after the group’s 1-3 defeat on August 16, 2023 in Sydney, Australia.
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The stadium erupted as Australia followers lastly noticed their golden lady rating at this event, reigniting hope that Tony Gustavsson’s facet might but play for the title.
But the hosts discovered themselves behind once more lower than 10 minutes later.
An extended ball excessive from Millie Bright was not handled by Matildas defender Ellie Carpenter, permitting Hemp a simple end into the underside nook to revive England’s lead.
The 23-year-old was concerned once more as the sport entered the ultimate minutes, turning brilliantly on the midway line earlier than operating towards purpose and releasing Russo, who fired a low shot into the far nook to seal England’s place within the ultimate.