Australian women’s footballers will not play the final at the World Cup. Spain will play England for the title

The second semi-final of this year’s Women’s World Cup was played on Wednesday after noon our time. Australia took on European champions England in Sydney. The team from the southern hemisphere will not play for the title at home, losing 1: 3.

From the beginning, the English women had the ball on their feet more often, while their opponents relied more on breakaways. The first big chance for the European team came in the ninth minute, when Stanway appeared alone in front of the goal. She headed her attempt into goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold.

Eight minutes later, after a quick attack, Russ shot from an angle and hit the side netting. With half an hour played, Ras got an interesting shooting opportunity after an Australian corner at the far post. But she sent the ball wide of the English goal.

Although the Australians also made other offensive forays, Albion were the better team thanks to good movement. Their activity paid off as Ella Toone opened the scoring in the 36th minute with a neat shot into the top right corner. The aforementioned Alessia Russo had an important assist.

At the very end of the half, the national team, nicknamed Matildas, did create a brief pressure but could not equalise. England goalkeeper Mary Earps was almost out of a job during the first half.

The game didn’t change much after the break. In the 57th minute, Hemp took a drop shot which Arnold dealt with from outside the box. After the ensuing corner kick, defender Bright’s header was inaccurate.

The English players were punished for their missed opportunities with an equaliser. Samantha Kerr delighted the crowded stands by scoring a fine goal from distance in the 63rd minute.

But the Europeans found an early answer. A header by Russo still narrowly missed, but in the 71st minute, coach Sarina Wiegman’s charges took the lead back. Carpenter made a mistake in the penalty area and allowed an onrushing Lauren Hemp to make it 1:2.

Kerr came close to a second goal in the 82nd minute, but her header went over the crossbar. The Chelsea striker was not successful three minutes later when a corner bounced to her and she sent the ball out of the net again.

Russ, one of the most active players on the pitch, then made sure that England’s progress was confirmed. She ran onto Hemp’s pass behind the defence and beat the goalkeeper with a ground shot.

The island team will play Spain for the world title on Sunday. It would be the first ever gold medals for both countries at the Women’s World Cup. Australia will face Sweden in Saturday’s clash for third place.

Source: FIFA, CT Sport