England beat co-host Australia to reach Women’s Women Cup final

England defeated co-host Australia 3-1 on Wednesday to reach the FIFA Women’s World Cup final for the first time.

Ella Toone’s first-half goal gave England a deserved lead before Australia superstar, Sam Kerr, produced a long-range stunner to draw the sides level in the second half.

But Ellie Carpenter’s error in defense allowed Lauren Hemp to restore England’s lead before Alessia Russo ended Australia’s hopes with a goal on the counterattack as the Matildas went in search of an equaliser.

The Lionesses play Spain in Sunday’s final, while Australia face Sweden in the third-place play-off on Saturday, August 19.

Speaking after the game, England manager, Sarina Wiegman, said: “We achieved the final! It’s unbelievable, it feels like we won (the tournament) which we didn’t, we just won this game. In an incredible stadium, an away game, the way we played, it was a hard game but we found a way to win again.

“Australia have had an incredible tournament, they grew into the tournament. They had some setbacks, they had to win their last group-stage game and then they got better and better.

“I just said to Arjan (assistant manager), having the chance as a coach or a player to make it to two finals is really special. I never take anything for granted, but it’s like I’m living in a fairytale or something.”

England men’s captain, Harry Kane, said: “Massive congratulations to the Lionesses. They deserve it. “We are all behind them and hopefully they can do it in the final.

“We saw what happened when the Lionesses won the Euros and how much it brought the country together.

“I’ll be watching the final out here in Germany.”

The Star

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