England have booked their place in the FIFA Women’s World Cup final after a deserved 3-1 victory over Australia on Wednesday.
The Lionesses, who last summer were crowned European Champions, now have the chance of becoming World Champions on Sunday. They dominated the Matildas for large swathes of Wednesday’s semi-finals, and have therefore booked a place in the final alongside Spain.
Ella Toone silenced the packed crowd in Sydney with a perfectly placed out-swinging strike from inside the box. However, Australia possess plenty of quality, not least Chelsea striker Sam Kerr, whose stunning long-range effort levelled the scores midway through the second half.
Lauren Hemp then restored England’s advantage, capitalising on some lax Australian defending. Kerr had the chance to level the scores once more, and you would have bet on her to do so. However, she struck wide on the volley from just seven yards, and with that miss, Australia’s chances of qualifying for the final at their home tournament faded.
Spain edge Sweden
England came to Sydney and silenced the “Matildas Mania”, however, the job is not yet done. England’s women’s side will be competing in their first-ever World Cup final. Sarina Wiegman’s squad will face Spain, who saw off Sweden in their semi-final.
Sweden looked to have taken the game to extra time after Rebecka Blomqvist levelled proceedings in the 88th minute. However, just one minute later, Salma Celeste Paralluelo Ayingono’s rifled long-range effort restored La Roja’s advantage and booked their place in the final.
Given England’s status as champions of Europe, they will go into Sunday’s final as marginal favourites, but Spain, with Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas in their squad, are more than capable of taking home the trophy. Regardless of the result, a new name will be engraved on the trophy with neither side having never lifted the much-coveted piece of silverware.
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Photo source: Ignite Image