England reached their inaugural Women’s World Cup final, disrupting Australia’s celebratory atmosphere on a historic evening with a resounding 3-1 win that silenced the Sydney crowd.
The Lionesses become the first senior English team to advance to a World Cup final since 1966.
This accomplishment shows what has been possible under a remarkable two-year period with manager Sarina Wiegman at the helm.
Euro 2017 ✅️
World Cup 2019 ✅️
Euro 2022 ✅️
World Cup 2023 ✅️
Four finals in a row for Sarina Wiegman.
— Rich Laverty (@RichJLaverty) August 16, 2023
Phil Neville to Sarina Wiegman is maybe the biggest managerial upgrade any team in the entire history of football has ever made
— Horace Goodwill, tonicke purveyor (@eff_hey) August 16, 2023
Everyone chip in a tenner, let’s get a statue of Sarina Wiegman made.
— Carl Anka (@Ankaman616) August 16, 2023
wiegman is the greatest manager in women’s football it’s not even a competition at this point… two wc finals, two wins in euro finals, with two different teams?
— meg (@frawnts) August 16, 2023
Following their victory on home soil at Euro 2022, England showcased their dominance and expertise, outplaying an Australian team fueled by national pride due to the Matildas’ success.
Ella Toone secured an early lead for England with an thunderous first-time strike into the top corner.
I believe they call it ‘top bins’ 🗑️#Lionesses #MUWomen #FIFAWWC https://t.co/N94nMA6CIn
— Jamie Spencer (@jamiespencer155) August 16, 2023
The Lionesses maintained control throughout most of the match, but Australia rallied in the second half. Star striker Sam Kerr, making her first start of the tournament, delivered a stunning 25-yard goal to level the score at 1-1, a familiar sight for Manchster United’s Mary Earps.
Sam Kerr has scored 10 goals in 10 games against Mary Earps
— Harry Edwards (@harryedwards16) August 16, 2023
What a moment 💚💛 Sam Kerr and @TheMatildas score and the crowd erupts in Melbourne @FedSquare tonight during the @FIFAWWC semi-final match ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/gVOFmP7Btc
— Melbourne, Australia (@Melbourne) August 16, 2023
SAM KERR THAT WAS SENSATIONAL!
— FIFA Women’s World Cup (@FIFAWWC) August 16, 2023
What a photo this is – the view from the #Lionesses‘ net for Sam Kerr’s equaliser #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/MVkFHVvk80
— FourFourTwo (@FourFourTwo) August 16, 2023
Nevertheless, England demonstrated their resilience, retaking the lead through Lauren Hemp’s capitalisation on a defensive lapse, followed by Alessia Russo’s late goal that sealed the victory and paved the way for a final clash against Spain on Sunday. Kerr missed a chance to make it 2-2.
The dynamic partnership of Hemp and Russo up front ultimately secured the victory, with the former’s splendid no-look pass setting up the latter for the third goal.
Lauren Hemp vs Australia | #FIFAWWC
Hemp was incredible on and off the ball today for England. She was a menace running the channels, turning her marker and did incredible work defensively to cover ground and apply pressure.
Madness of a player and still only 23! pic.twitter.com/yYLB8w6tBG
— Yash (@Odriozolite) August 16, 2023
Alessia Russo takes England one step closer to the World Cup final! 👏 #FIFAWWC #ENG #AUS pic.twitter.com/e8j4sz783b
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) August 16, 2023
Can’t ask for much more than that in a World Cup semi final. Sam Kerr with an absolute worldie in front of a home crowd and England just shrugged it off & won anyway. They were all brilliant but Hemp just doing everything in the moments that mattered. What a player she is
— Nicky Bandini (@NickyBandini) August 16, 2023
England executed a successful strategy to neutralise Australia’s high-intensity and swift counterattacking style. They displayed physicality from the outset, engaging in 50-50 challenges and containing Kerr’s offensive efforts. The team’s control over the game persisted in the first half, frustrating the crowd and passing through Australia’s pressing tactics.
Sam Kerr:
The entire England team: #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/9b8qQSrV67
— jackson langford (@jacksonlangford) August 16, 2023
Although Kerr had a couple more attempts, England showcased greater ruthlessness, maintaining their poise during critical moments.
This certainly isn’t the end for Australia though, who’ve seen a major shift in support since this tournament started. They’ll fight for a bronze medal on Saturday against Sweden to end their already best ever World Cup campaign in the best way possible.
not in my lifetime have i witnessed such an immense cultural shift in sport, the one thing this country holds dearer than any other, and been able to tell that things would never be the same.
— jackson langford (@jacksonlangford) August 16, 2023
The dream, and the dream run, have ended for Australia. From all accounts they have made a mark on the Australian sports landscape that could be felt for generations to come. One more chance to watch them, in 3rd place match against Sweden.
— Dan Lauletta (@TheDanLauletta) August 16, 2023
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