European champions England defeated co-hosts Australia 3-1 on Wednesday at Stadium Australia, Sydney, Australia, to reach their first ever Women’s World Cup finals where they will face Spain.
The Lionesses dominated much of the first half proceedings and took the lead in the 36th minute through Ella Toone’s magnificent strike.
Australia grew into the game in the second half and snatched an equalizer through a moment of individual brilliance from their poster girl Sam Kerr in the 65th minute of the encounter.
England restored their lead in no time as a poor defensive error in box allowed Lauren Hemp to capitalize and drill a fine finish at far post.
The Matildas pushed for the equalizer and came very close in the 84th minute as Sam Kerr fired over the cross bar from just six yards out.
The Lionesses added the finishing touch to a fine display in the 86th minute as Hemp produced a fine bit of play to find Alessia Russo with a perfectly measured pass. Russo kept her composure to fire past the goalkeeper to send England to their first Women’s world cup finals.
