Midfielder Rachel Daly (L), goalie Mary Earps, and England are set to go head-to-head against Spain in the final of the 2023 Women’s World Cup on Sunday in Sydney. This exhilarating encounter was captured by Dan Himbrechts/EPA-EFE.
Aug. 16 (UPI) — Strikers Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo came through for England, scoring two crucial goals in the last 20 minutes of regulation to secure a victory over Australia in the Women’s World Cup semifinal held on Wednesday.
This impressive win has propelled the Lionesses into the finals, where they will face Spain on Sunday at Sydney’s Stadium Australia.
“We’ve been dreaming of the semis, but nothing compares to the thrill of being in a World Cup final with this extraordinary group,” Russo shared in an interview during the Fox broadcast.
“The excitement is palpable.”
Attacking midfielder Ella Toone also contributed a goal for the Lionesses, with Hemp and center back Millie Bright providing the assists for the final two goals of the match.
“It is truly unbelievable that we have reached the final,” said England manager Sarina Wiegman. “It feels like a victory in itself, but the ultimate triumph is still ahead of us. We had to fight hard in this game, but once again, we found a way to win.”
Matildas goalie Mackenzie Arnold denied Lioness midfielder Georgia Stanway’s point-blank range attempt in the ninth minute, showcasing her incredible skills and preventing an early lead.
Toone eventually broke the deadlock in the 36th minute. A well-executed play initiated by winger Rachel Daly, who delivered a precise ball from the left flank, saw Hemp flicking it back to Russo near the end line. Russo then shielded off defenders and played a pass back to Hemp, who let the ball roll between her legs.
With great composure, Toone received the pass, patiently waited for the opportune moment, and unleashed a powerful shot into the upper-right corner of the net, giving the Lionesses a 1-0 advantage. The first half ended with no further goals from either team.
In the second half, Sam Kerr equalized for the host country in the 63rd minute. It was an impressive solo run from Kerr, who dribbled past four defenders before launching a long shot into the left side of the net.
Kerr continued to pose a threat and nearly gave the Matildas a 2-1 lead in the 67th minute with a header, but Lioness goalie Mary Earps made an exceptional save. Matildas midfielder Kyra Cooney-Cross also missed an opportunity to put her team ahead when her header narrowly missed the right post in the 70th minute.
Finally, in the 74th minute, Hemp capitalized on a defensive error from Matildas right back Ellie Carpenter, who failed to clear the ball. Hemp got a touch on the loose ball with her left foot, firing a low shot into the right side of the net.
Kerr came close to scoring once again in the 82nd minute, but her header went over the crossbar. The Lionesses managed to thwart another Matildas threat in the 83rd minute.
In the 85th minute, the Matildas earned a corner kick, which was delivered by left back Stephanie Catley. The ball deflected off a group of defenders before reaching Kerr, but her right-footed attempt sailed wide of the right post.
Finally, in the 86th minute, Russo sealed the victory for England. Hemp dribbled through the center of the field, attracting the attention of Matildas defenders. She then spotted Russo making a run to the right and threaded a pinpoint pass through the defense. Russo controlled the ball with her left foot and unleashed a right-footed shot into the left side of the net, eluding goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold.
The highly anticipated final will take place between No. 4 England and No. 6 Spain at 6 a.m. EDT on Sunday in Sydney. The game will be broadcasted on Fox. Both teams will be making their Women’s World Cup final debuts.
England midfielder Lauren James, who was suspended for two games due to a stomp on Nigeria’s Michelle Alozie in the Round of 16, will be eligible to return for the finale.
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