WOMEN'S WORLD CUP 2023 -

ENGLAND MAKES HISTORY BY

 REACHING THE FINAL EVEN THOUGH

 SAM KERR STRIKE FOR AUSTRALIA:

The Women's World Cup semi-final between England and Australia was a classic in front of an excited audience at Stadium Australia. Ella Toone appeared to have put England in charge when she opened the scoring in the 36th minute, but Sam Kerr responded with a spectacular goal to equalize. However, England scored two more goals late in the game to get to the final.

England qualified for their first Women's World Cup final after defeating co-hosts Australia 3-1 in Sydney.

Australia manager Tony Gustavsson took a risk by starting an injured Sam Kerr for the first time this tournament, signifying that the Matildas planned to finish this game in 90 minutes. Despite that declaration of intent, it was a bet that would not pay off.

England dominated possession in the first half, but Australia worked hard to frustrate their limited opportunities on goal.

Despite England's domination, it never felt like they were entirely in control of the game, as Australia took their chances on the counter-attack with lightning speed.

They appeared to be the more threatening side for a brief period, but a stunning shot by Ella Toone handed England the lead before the first half ended.

Indeed, Toone and Alessia Russo's pairing shone once more, as it did at the Euros last summer.

Australia came out all guns blazing in the second half, with Hayley Raso and Caitlin Foord frequently finding themselves in the middle of it. But it was Sam Kerr's magnificent strike from outside the box in the 63rd minute that kept the Matildas in the game.

That was short-lived, as Lauren Hemp showed yet again how crucial she is to the team, bursting through the Australia defense with a spectacular finish.

Australia threw on an attacking reinforcement in sub-Emily van Egmond, who missed out on a starting berth owing to illness, but despite their best efforts, Australia couldn't stop Alessia Russo, who scored minutes before full-time.

The Lionesses will now meet Spain in the final later today.

TALKING POINT – CAN ENGLAND GO ALL THE WAY?

 It's one thing to make the final, but the struggle will be enormous when England takes on Spain. We've demonstrated we can beat them in prior matchups, but Spain was missing Alexis Putellas and Jenni Hermosa in last year's Euro. Nonetheless, if England puts on a focused performance like today, they will have a chance.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH – LAUREN HEMP:

 With a clean finish and excellent quickness, Hemp demonstrated why she is so vital to this England team, both assisting Russo and scoring herself.

PLAYER RATINGS:

Australia: Arnold 6, Polkinghorne 6, Catley 6, Foord 7, Fowler 7, Hunt 6, Raso 7, Gorry 6, Kerr 7, Carpenter 6, Cooney-Cross 6. Subs: Vine 6, Chidiac 6, Van Egmond 6.

England: Earps 8, Bronze 7, Bright 7, Greenwood 7, Carter 7, Daly 7, Walsh 7, Stanway 7, Toone 8, Russo 8, Hemp 8. Subs: Charles 6, Kelly 6.

 MATCH HIGHLIGHTS:

36’ WHAT A GOAL FOR ELLA TOONE! - Toone breaks past the Australian defense to slice the ball into the top corner of the net. It's stunning, and she's having a fantastic tournament. England leads 1-0.

63’ GOAL FOR AUSTRALIA! - Sam Kerr's spectacular goal from way outside the box equalizes for Australia.

71’ HEMP GIVES ENGLAND THE LEAD! - Lauren Hemp sneaks in between the Australian defenses and fires low. It's a stunning finish.

86’ GOOOOOAAAAAALLLLLLL FOR RUSSO! - ENGLAND WIN 3-1!!!!!!! IS THAT ALL THERE IS TO IT NOW????????

KEY STATS:

The last time England's senior national team competed in a World Cup final was in 1966.

Neither England nor Spain have ever reached a World Cup final.

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