Hosts Australia were knocked out of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 after a 1-3 defeat in the semi-finals. England were at their best as they defeated the hosts and booked a place in the finals in the ongoing marquee event.
A total of 4 goals were scored at the Stadium Australia in Sydney’s Olympic Park and it was a contrast of emotions for the two sides. While it was joy and jubilation for England, it was heartbreak for the hosts.
England now have a golden chance of doubling their trophy cabinet as they can replicate their UEFA Women’s Euro 2022. Notably, The Three Lionesses had defeated Germany in the finals of this European competition.
In the semi-finals of this FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 game, England’s Ella Toone’s had opened the goal-scoring account for them. Then an absolute screamer of a goal from Sam Kerr, sent shockwaves down the spines of the English players.
Kerr unleashed her beast mode as she sent home a rocket strike from about 30 yards, that went blazing past the opposition goal-keeper. The entire crowd in Sydney’s Stadium Australia was sent into a frenzy as people couldn’t come to terms with the goal.
Notably, this was the first ever goal scored by Australia’s Sam Kerr in a knockout game in the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
But their excitement and joy were short-lived as England fired past 2 more goals and stamped their authority in this FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 semi-finals.
Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo scored the goals for The Three Lionesses as they booked a ticket for the high-voltage finals of this game.
Before England secured their win with four minutes remaining when Hemp put a brilliant pass through to Russo and her angled effort beat Arnold, Kerr wasted two excellent opportunities for the Matildas to once again tie the game.
The finals of this tournament will be played between England and Spain and we will be having a new winner in this tournament.
Squads
England women
- Goalkeepers: Mary Earps (Manchester United), Hannah Hampton (Aston Villa), Ellie Roebuck (Manchester City)
- Defenders: Millie Bright (Chelsea), Lucy Bronze (Barcelona), Jess Carter (Chelsea), Niamh Charles (Chelsea), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Esme Morgan (Manchester City), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal)
- Midfielders: Laura Coombs (Manchester City), Jordan Nobbs (Aston Villa), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Ella Toone, (Manchester United), Keira Walsh (Barcelona), Katie Zelem (Manchester United)
- Forwards: Rachel Daly (Aston Villa), Bethany England (Tottenham Hotspur), Lauren Hemp (Manchester City), Lauren James (Chelsea), Chloe Kelly (Manchester City), Katie Robinson (Brighton), Alessia Russo (Manchester United)
Australia women
- Goalkeepers: Mackenzie Arnold (West Ham), Teagan Micah (Rosengard), Lydia Williams (Brighton)
- Defenders: Ellie Carpenter (Lyon), Steph Catley (Arsenal), Charlotte Grant (Vittsjo GIK), Clare Hunt (Western Sydney Wanderers), Alanna Kennedy (Manchester City), Aivi Luik (BK Hacken), Courtney Nevin (Leicester City on loan from Hammarby), Clare Polkinghorne (Vittsjo GIK)
- Midfielders: Alex Chidiac (Racing Louisville), Kyra Cooney-Cross (Hammarby IF), Katrina Gorry (Vittsjo GIK), Emily van Egmond (San Diego Wave), Clare Wheeler (Everton), Tameka Yallop (SK Brann)
- Forwards: Caitlin Foord (Arsenal), Mary Fowler (Manchester City) Sam Kerr (Chelsea), Hayley Raso (Free agent), Kyah Simon (Free agent), Cortnee Vine (Sydney FC)
