England reaches first World Cup finals despite Kerr stunner

SYDNEY, Aug 16 – England reached its first FIFA Women’s World Cup ultimate after a 3-1 victory over Australia on Wednesday regardless of a surprise aim from Matildas striker Sam Kerr because the co-hosts’ fairytale run got here to an finish.

Attacking midfielder Ella Toone had given England a first-half lead however a surprising strike from captain Kerr, making her first begin of the match, squared issues up after halftime as Stadium Australia erupted in euphoria.

However, Lauren Hemp restore England’s lead earlier than Alessia Russo put the consequence past doubt shortly earlier than the top.

England, who fell on the semi-final stage within the earlier two World Cups, face Spain on Sunday wanting so as to add a world title to final 12 months’s European Championship triumph.

Sarina Wiegman’s facet clearly had a recreation plan to impose themselves bodily on Australia, committing 9 fouls within the first half as they nullified their opponents’ attacking choices.

England opened the scoring within the thirty sixth minute when Russo labored her approach to the byline earlier than slicing the ball again and Toone smashed it into the highest proper nook for her first aim of the match.

Australia began the second half a lot brighter and commenced urgent England larger up the pitch, looking for a historic second that will match Cathy Freeman’s unbelievable 400 metres victory in the identical venue on the 2000 Olympics.

They received it within the 63rd minute when Kerr obtained the ball in her personal half, ran towards aim and fired an unstoppable rocket into the highest left nook from 25 yards out past the diving Mary Earps.

The stadium erupted as Australia followers lastly noticed their golden lady rating at this match, reigniting hope that Tony Gustavsson’s facet might but play for the title.

But the hosts discovered themselves behind once more lower than 10 minutes later.

A protracted ball excessive from Millie Bright was not handled by Matildas defender Ellie Carpenter, permitting Hemp a simple end into the underside nook to revive England’s lead.

The 23-year-old was concerned once more as the sport entered the ultimate minutes, turning brilliantly on the midway line earlier than working towards aim and releasing Russo, who fired a low shot into the far nook to seal England’s place within the ultimate.

—Reuters