England has reached its first-ever Women's World Cup final after a 3-1 victory over Australia this past Wednesday, cutting short the co-hosts' impressive journey. Despite a spectacular goal from Sam Kerr, England's persistence paid off. After two previous semifinal heartbreaks, they now move on to face Spain on Sunday, August 20, hoping to pair a world championship with their European title from last year.
Despite a miraculous goal from the Australian star striker Sam Kerr, England women advanced to their maiden Women’s World Cup final after defeating Australia 3-1 on Wednesday, ending the co-hosts’ fairytale run. After losing in the semifinals of the previous two World Cups, England will now face Spain on August 20, Sunday in an attempt to add a world crown to last year’s European Championship victory.
The Lionesses took control early on when Ella Toone scored a brilliant goal that quieted the Australian crowd. The momentum shifted briefly in the 63rd minute when Sam Kerr, making her first start of the competition, scored a stunning equalizer that electrified the stadium. However, England responded quickly; Lauren Hemp put them back in front eight minutes later, and Alessia Russo added a third to put the game beyond any doubt.
Coach Sarina Wiegman implemented a high-pressure physical game plan to stifle Australia, which included nine fouls in the first half to break up their attacks. The first goal came in the 36th minute after Russo fought her way to the byline and delivered a pass to Toone, who fired her first goal of the tournament into the upper corner.
In the second half, the Matildas stepped up their aggression, pressing England high up the pitch in a desperate attempt to create a historic moment similar to Cathy Freeman’s legendary 2000 Olympics victory in the same stadium. Kerr took matters into her own hands, picking up the ball in her own half and charging forward before unleashing a 25-yard rocket into the top-left corner, leaving Mary Earps with no chance.
The crowd erupted as their star player finally found the net in this tournament, sparking hopes that Tony Gustavsson’s side could still pull off a miracle. Unfortunately for the hosts, England regained the lead shortly after.
A defensive lapse by Ellie Carpenter, who failed to track a long ball from Millie Bright, allowed Lauren Hemp to slot the ball into the bottom corner. Hemp remained a constant threat late in the game; after Kerr missed a prime chance to tie the game, Hemp executed a superb turn at midfield and set up Alessia Russo, whose low shot into the far corner officially secured England's place in the final.
After Kerr missed a golden opportunity to equalize, Hemp turned wonderfully on the halfway line before feeding Russo, who sent a low shot into the far corner to secure England’s spot in the final.
Following the match, Russo expressed her excitement, noting that while they've dreamed of this since childhood, they know Spain will be an even tougher challenge given the high level of competition they've faced throughout the tournament.