England proved its strength against Australia on Wednesday in what lived up to its must-see semifinal billing at Sydney’s Stadium Australia.
England jumped on the board first with a goal from Ella Toone late in the first half, which held up until Sam Kerr broke through to knot the score in the 63rd minute of play. Unfortunately for the Matildas, it was not to be though, as England scored the go-ahead goal just eight minutes later as Lauren Hemp drove a shot into the back of the net for the 2-1 lead. The Lionesses would add one more in the waning stages of the match to give them the 3-1 margin.
Australia was on the verge of playing in the final while also hosting the World Cup. It would have been the first time since 1999 that a country hosting the event played for the women’s title (the United States also did so, winning against China in the final that year).
For England, the win gives them its first final appearance at the Women’s World Cup in the country’s long history.
