Matildas’ dream run comes to an end as England set up World Cup final with Spain

England produced their best performance of the World Cup as they overcame Australia 3-1 with goals from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo.

Australia had the backing of a sell-out Stadium Australia with over 80,000 raucous fans packed into the Sydney stadium. After the first 20 minutes, England had done enough to quieten the crowd and were on top for most of the game after that.

England made the breakthrough in the 36th minute from a thunderbolt strike into the top corner by Ella Toone.

Sam Kerr had been kept quiet for most of the game, until the 63rd minute when she unleashed a powerful effort from the best part of 30 yards out. A small deflection took the shot beyond Mary Earps in the England goal and Australia were back in it.

One of the best players on the pitch, Lauren Hemp deserved a goal. After a long ball from Millie Bright wasn’t dealt with by the Aussie defence, Hemp pounced and England regained the lead.

With the score at 2-1 and Australia pushing for another equaliser, Sam Kerr had a golden opportunity to once again draw the game level. After a corner was deflected her way, the ball sat up nicely for a volley that the Chelsea striker struck just wide.

From one end of the pitch to the other, as England regained the ball from the subsequent goal kick and drove into Matilda’s territory. Once again Lauren Hemp showed her class with a mazy run drawing Australian defenders to her before slipping the ball to Alessia Russo who did the rest.

For the Lionesses, this is the first time they have ever reached a World Cup final and only the second time an England side, men’s or women’s, have. England now have a chance to win the first World Cup since the men’s triumph in 1966.

This was by far England’s best performance of the tournament so far, with Lucy Bronze, Millie Bright and Alex Greenwood dominant in defence. Kiera Walsh and Georgia Stanway controlled the midfield for the most part but it was Lauren Hemp’s tireless efforts all over the pitch which stood out as the best performance for England.

For Australia, this tournament will be remembered as a huge success, with the Matildas getting further than they ever have before in a World Cup. The whole country got behind the team in what could be a sea-change moment for football (or soccer as the Aussies call it) in Australia, especially for the women’s game. Unfortunately, a World Cup title wasn’t to be, but what an effort from the hosts.

Australia were never able to gain a substantial foothold in the match as England controlled the ball for the most part. Mary Fowler looked dangerous at times whilst Kyra Cooney-Cross’ deliveries into the box sometimes looked threatening. Ultimately the hosts were beaten by the better side but they showed the world what they can do and have put on one hell of a tournament.

England now face off against Spain, a side many weren’t expecting to get this deep into the tournament, but have impressed at every stage.

Much like Sam Kerr for Australia, Spain welcomed back their talisman for their semi-final as Alexia Putellas started her first match of the tournament. Her addition to a Spanish side already dripping with quality showcases their strengths, certainly not to be taken lightly by England.

For most of the Spain vs Sweden semi-final, not a lot happened as both sides were desperate to not make a mistake. Three goals in the space of 9 minutes saw Spain lead, Sweden equalise before the Spaniards scored an incredibly late winner. Their heart and desire was never without question, but to keep their composure under such circumstances shows a side that knows how to win.

England have a selection decision to make ahead of the final as Lauren James is eligible to return, will Sarina Weigman stick or twist with her side? Since James left the side it is fair to say as a collective they have operated more efficiently, but James was comfortably England’s best player before her red card and suspension. Certainly one to watch out for.

After weeks of incredible football, the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup will come to an end of Sunday, with both sides playing in their first-ever World Cup final. A brand new winner is guaranteed, but who will it be?