England’s Lionesses beat the Women’s World Cup host, Australia 3-1 in the semi-finals on Wednesday, to advance to a historic final.
England will face Spain on Tuesday, in the finals set to be played on Sunday, August 20.
Goals from England’s Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo shattered the Australians’ dreams, as they clinged to a 3-1 win to set up a Women’s World Cup final against Spain.
The Lionesses had previously failed at this stage twice, but the reigning European champions seized the opportunity this time, silencing 75,000 spectators and securing their first-ever spot in the final.
England took the lead nine minutes before halftime when Ella Toone of Manchester United unleashed a powerful shot from just inside the box, using the outside of her boot.
Sam Kerr, who had recovered from injury and was starting for the first time in this tournament, responded for the home team shortly after the hour mark with an exceptional goal. After a weaving run, she unleashed a strike from 30 yards out.
This ignited celebrations from the home supporters, but just eight minutes later, the crowd was stunned as Hemp powered her way into the box and placed the ball into the corner. Russo then added the finishing touch with a goal four minutes before the end of regular time, completing the icing on the cake.
“We achieved the final and it’s unbelievable. It feels like we won it but we didn’t win it (the World Cup), we just won this game,” said England coach Sarina Wiegman.
“We played a hard game, but again we found a way to win. We have been talking about ruthlessness and this team has ruthlessness, whether it is upfront or in defence,” she added.
Finalist, Spain, defeated Sweden 2-1 on Tuesday, securing a place in the finals.
