England’s Lauren Hemp scores their second aim in Sydney, Australia – August 16, 2023.
| Photo Credit: Reuters
England reached their first Women’s World Cup last after a 3-1 victory over Australia on Wednesday regardless of a marvel aim 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 shocking 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 consequence past doubt shortly earlier than the tip.
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 yr’s European Championship triumph.
Sarina Wiegman’s facet clearly had a sport 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 solution to the byline earlier than chopping the ball again and Toone smashed it into the highest proper nook for her first aim of the event.
Australia began the second half a lot brighter and commenced urgent England greater up the pitch, looking for a historic second that will match Cathy Freeman’s unbelievable 400 metres victory in the identical venue on the 2000 Olympics.
They obtained it within the 63rd minute when Kerr acquired the ball in her personal half, ran towards aim and fired an unstoppable rocket into the highest left nook from 25 yards out past the diving Mary Earps.
Sam Kerr of Australia appears to be like dejected after the staff’s 1-3 defeat on August 16, 2023 in Sydney, Australia.
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Getty Images
The stadium erupted as Australia followers lastly noticed their golden woman rating at this event, reigniting hope that Tony Gustavsson’s facet may but play for the title.
But the hosts discovered themselves behind once more lower than 10 minutes later.
A protracted ball excessive from Millie Bright was not handled by Matildas defender Ellie Carpenter, permitting Hemp a straightforward 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 aim and releasing Russo, who fired a low shot into the far nook to seal England’s place within the last.
Source web site: www.thehindu.com
