Ella Thun rides on the back of her former Manchester United teammate after Alessia Russo scored what turned out to be an England winner against Colombia. Credit: Mark Metcalfe/FIFA via Getty Images
This exciting sporting summer of 2023 promises to be another exciting game in the England-Australia rivalry as the hosts of the Women's World Cup go head-to-head with the Lionesses this week.< /p>
After the thrilling Ashes men's and women's series and last weekend's Netball World Cup Final — all of which ended up with the Australians holding the trophy — there will be a semi-final between the two teams in Sydney on Wednesday.
Matilda in the game. their country's first World Cup semi-final, and Sarina Wigman's team booked their place in what promises to be a historic competition on Wednesday, coming from behind to defeat Colombia.
Following this, Wigman said she would need to consult with her team to fully appreciate the nature of England's historic rivalry with Australia, saying: be bigger than I thought. I'll talk to my players and staff to find out what the rivalry is.
“We've had such a warm welcome here and really enjoyed our stay in Australia. I actually really like the people here, but that doesn't mean there isn't competition, so we'll see on Wednesday.
'Another possibly «not perfect» performance from England. But my God they fought?!
🎥 @TomJGarry #TelegraphFemaleSports | #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/1KhR0IgDcx
— Telegraph Women's Sport (@WomensSport) August 12, 2023
“We know it [will be] an away game. Let's try to turn it into a source of inspiration for us. We're trying to focus on our mission, what we want to do and how we want to play. Of course we want to play our game and everyone has a task in and out of possession. That's what we're talking about — football. [This quarter-final] was like a home game for Colombia. We expect the same crowd in Australia. It's incredible. We are looking forward to it.”
The two teams will meet at Australia Stadium in Sydney, the same venue where this quarter-final took place and, by the way, where England beat Australia in the 2003 Rugby World Cup. Cup final.
Liones strike duo Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo have scored goals and turned a tense tie in their last eight games on their head after Lacey Santos tricked Mary Earps with what appeared to be a cross attempt that looped on the Manchester United goalkeeper and in network.
Slight defensive slips by the World No. 25 South Americans, supported by an intimidating crowd, played a role in both of England's goals, with goalkeeper Catalina Pérez fumbling the ball at half-time, allowing Hemp to strike in the decider. the equalizer before a fire-lit Rousseau took advantage of the lost ball to land an accurate shot and win the competition. It was the second goal of the newly minted Arsenal in the tournament, and everyone saw her joy.
'Do you mind if I…' pic.twitter.com/pk5u8Hccfe
— Telegraph Women's Sport (@WomensSport) August 12, 2023
This sent the European champions to their third consecutive World Cup semi-final and they will now attempt to reach their first ever global final. In 2015, Laura Bassett's own goal on her last breath led to a heartbreaking loss to Japan, and in 2019 they suffered a dramatic 2-1 loss to the United States when former captain Steph Houghton saved a late penalty.
B big drama can be expected again on Wednesday as football fever hits Australia after beating France on penalties.
England's readiness for the semi-finals was boosted by the fact that all three of their players with one suspension warning left — Hemp, Lucy Bronze and Georgia Stanway — made it through the quarter-finals without further yellow cards. Since these disciplinary lists are completely erased before the semi-finals, none of them will be suspended. The Lionesses are still without Lauren James as she is serving her second two-match ban for a red card after beating Nigeria in the round of 16, but now young Chelsea know she may have a chance to compete again. this tournament, either in the final or in the playoffs for third place.
Wigman praised the discipline of her players, who did not receive a single yellow card, adding: “They did a great job. You have to be aggressive, you have to play football, you have to duel to win. At one point, you can pick up a yellow card. But they were controlled, they were aggressive, but they did not cross the line. It's well done. So I'm glad they did it because we have players available for the next match and now they've lost their cards.»
England's back three of Alex Greenwood, captain Millie Bright and Jess Carter showed incredible grit, tenacious determination and courageous defense to help the team clear the line, while Hemp and Russo improved significantly against Nigeria.
Jess Carter, Millie Bright and Alex Greenwood did a great job and tried to console Jorelyn Carabali at the final whistle. Photo: AP Photo/Mark Baker
However, Wigman was asked if her team played the best football in this World Cup and she replied: “Yes, some people say they are not at that level. I think you underestimate the level of our rivals. The game in Nigeria was incredibly competitive. Today we have been challenged again. There are moments in your career when sometimes you are not at your best, but you can still perform at a high level in a team, work hard, complete your tasks and find a way to win.”
That's what England does: find a way to win. However, Australia are the only team to have beaten England in Wigman's two years in office, beating them in a friendly at Brentford in April. Their next meeting is simply not to be missed.
Match details and scores
England (3-5-2) Earps 6; Carter 8, Bright 8, Greenwood 8; Bronze 7, Stanway 7, Walsh 6, Toon 5, Daly 6; Russo 7 (Kelly 6, 84), Hemp 8 (England 6, 90+3).
No substitutes used Charles, Nobbs, Hampton (GK), Wubben Moy, Morgan , Coombs, Zelem, Roebuck (GK), Robinson.
Colombia (4-2-3-1) Perez 5 (Giraldo 6, 68); S Arias 6 (Guzman 6, 10), Carabali 6, D Arias 6, Vanegas 6; Opsina 7 (Chacon 6, 78), Bedoya 6; Usme 7, Santos 7, Caicedo 7; Ramirez 7.
Unused subs Montoya, Reyes, Restrepo, Sepulveda (GK), Baron, Guzmán, Andrade, Ramos, Caracas, Bahr.
Referee Katya Koroleva (USA).
Attendance 75,784.
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