In a thrilling semifinal match, England secured their place in the Women's World Cup final with a 3-1 victory over co-hosts Australia. The Matildas' captivating run through the tournament came to an end as England proved too strong. Australia's superstar Sam Kerr made her first appearance of the tournament and scored for her team, but it wasn't enough to hold off the European champions.
England took the lead in the 36th minute when Ella Toone found the back of the net with a powerful shot. The Lionesses dominated possession in the first half, showing their experience in semifinals. However, Kerr's equalizer in the 63rd minute gave the 75,000-plus crowd some hope of a comeback for Australia. But England quickly regained control, with Lauren Hemp scoring in the 71st minute and Alessia Russo sealing the victory four minutes from the end of regulation time.
With this win, England will be playing in their first Women's World Cup final. They will face Spain in the historic all-European final, the first since 2003. England manager Sarina Wiegman made history as the first coach to lead two countries to the Women's World Cup final, having previously guided the Netherlands to the final in 2019.
Australia, on the other hand, will play Sweden for third place in Brisbane on Saturday. Reflecting on her 100th game for the national team, Australia midfielder Katrina Gorry expressed disappointment at not dominating the game and creating more scoring opportunities but emphasized the team's determination to win the bronze medal.
Throughout the tournament, Australia had captured the hearts of their home country, with a magical atmosphere at Stadium Australia. The moment of pure magic came when Sam Kerr scored a stunning goal, weaving through two England defenders and placing the ball in the top left corner. The stadium erupted in celebration, but England quickly restored their lead, leaving Australia with no second chance. The disappointment was palpable as the dream of a World Cup final slipped away.
Despite the loss, Australia's run in the tournament will be remembered as a defining moment for the country. The Matildas not only represented their nation but also became a source of inspiration and pride. Thousands of fans remained in the stadium, applauding the team's efforts and thanking them for their incredible journey.
Looking ahead, England faces Spain in the final, a historic moment for both teams. The Lionesses will aim to claim their first Women's World Cup championship, while Spain hopes to make history by winning the title in their debut final appearance. The stage is set for a thrilling showdown at Stadium Australia on Sunday.
