On a historic evening in Sydney, England upset co-hosts Australia and advanced to the Women’s World Cup final for the first time.
With their 3-1 victory at Stadium Australia, the Lionesses became the first England football side to reach a senior final on the international stage since 1966.
It culminates a fantastic two years under manager Sarina Wiegman, in which England, crowned European champions for the first time on home soil last year, demonstrated their superiority and know-how to defeat an Australia side fueled by a country thrilled by the Matildas’ victory.
Ella Toone’s spectacular first-time strike into the top corner gave England the lead in the first half.
The Lionesses dominated the first half until Australia put everything at them in the second half, when star striker Sam Kerr – playing her maiden match of the tournament – hit a 25-yard stunner over goalkeeper Mary Earps’ head to tie the game at 1-1.
But, as they frequently do, England clawed their way back into the game when Lauren Hemp capitalized on a defensive blunder to restore their advantage, before Alessia Russo sealed the victory late on to set up a final with Spain on Sunday.
