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England's Lionesses have made FIFAWWC history but had to overcome Sam Kerr-led Australia in a keenly contested semifinal test.
England has broken Australian hearts to seal a first-ever appearance in the final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, FIFAWWC.
The Lionesses proved too good against a spirited Australia following a 3-1 win in the second semifinal in Syndey on Wednesday.
Ella Toone and Alessia Russo were the heroines as the European champions subdued a gallant Maltidas led by their superstar Sam Kerr.
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Australia vs England: Brief
This was an encounter that saw both nations looking to make history in the FIFAWWC.
Neither had ever made it past the last four at the Women’s World Cup, with England suffering a heartbreak at this stage on two occasions.
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The co-hosts had already enjoyed their best run in the competition and were hoping to extend that run with a place in the final.
However, it was the European Champions who looked the better of both teams in the opening half and deservedly took the lead.
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Manchester United’s Ella Toone found herself free and unleashed an unstoppable effort from close range to put England at the break.
Sam Kerr stars for Australia
In the second half, the hosts looked different and pushed on for an equaliser backed by over 75, 000 fans inside the Stadium.
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And just after the hour mark, superstar Samantha Kerr showed why she is the best with a goal of the tournament contender from over 30 yards to draw Australia level.
Kerr’s equaliser lasted only eight minutes as Lauren Hemp took advantage of a defensive error to restore England’s lead.
And with four minutes left to play, Arsenal’s Alessia Russo sealed the deal with her third of the competition and England’s third of the game.
What the result means
Following England’s win, the Lionesses will now play in back-to-back finals of major tournaments after winning the European Women’s Championship.
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This is also England’s first-ever appearance in the final of the global showpiece and they will take on fellow Europeans Spain in the final on Sunday.
For the co-hosts, it is the end of what has been a memorable journey, with a place in the semifinal being Australia’s best-ever run at the FIFAWWC.
The Maltidas will face another European opposition in the third-place match following their painful loss, with Sweden standing before them and the bronze medal.
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