Australia will face England in Wednesday’s historic semi-final World Cup match, a sport more likely to break data throughout the nation and the globe.
England defeated Colombia 2-1 of their quarterfinal match to substantiate the face-off with the Matildas and ship the South Americans residence, ending their euphoric run.
England had the very best of the possibilities early, with Alessia Russo and Rachel Daly each delivering significant makes an attempt at purpose, however with out the supply service of Lauren James, they had been pushed additional into the centre channel – and a defiant Colombian defence.
And their resilience was rewarded, with Colombia taking the lead early by way of a pleasant strike from Leicy Santos.
Despite the efforts up entrance, it was defence which in the end value the Colombians. An absence of self-discipline from Perez resulted in a fumble which gifted England their first purpose – Lauren Hemp’s second for the match.
Colombia had been pressured into an early substitution, with Carolina Arias retired for harm and changed by Ana Guzman.
Guzman was one in all Colombia’s finest, linking with their key striker Mayra Ramirez for Colombia’s finest makes an attempt on purpose, however her workrate getting again opened a channel for England to punish.
Arais was a key function for Colombia of their 2-1 win over Germany and had performed virtually each minute of the match thus far. Her withdrawal noticed England direct their play in the direction of the left and the examined mixture of Daly and Hemp.
Georgia Stanway was once more essential for England, although whereas the Lionesses had been dominant in possession by way of the center, they didn’t look infallible.
Colombia’s desire to play the ball on the bottom troubled Millie Bright and Lucy Bronze and regardless of the Colombian ahead line not having a big pace benefit – because the Matildas would – they managed to play in behind England with broad balls and intelligent management.
Without the artistic drive of Lauren James, England’s routes to purpose had been lessened, with most photographs heading in the right direction delivered straight to the arms of Perez.
James will nonetheless be unavailable on Wednesday, serving the second match of her two sport suspension after receiving a purple card in opposition to Nigeria.
JOYLESS WITHOUT JAMES
Lauren James’ two-match suspension might nonetheless show extremely pricey, with England taking part in little of the ball by way of Ella Toone, behind the entrance line. Toone labored exhausting for her group, however filling the boots of James was a near-impossible ask, given James had been one of many Lionesses finest performers and a pleasure to look at with the ball.
NOT-CONTRARY MARY EARPS
The 2022 FIFA Goalkeeper of the Year confirmed precisely why she was worthy of the accolade, pulling off a shocking save to disclaim Colombia an equaliser with the long-range try of Durango. After conceding Santos’ worldie – a contender for purpose of the match – Earps stored her head up and was medical thereafter in purpose, responding to each query that the South Americans requested of her with model.
AUSTRALIA EYE REPEAT
Australia and England final met in April with the Matildas securing an historic 2-0 win away from residence to finish the Lionesses’ 30-match unbeaten run, which included their 2022 Euros win. The Matildas will take loads of confidence from the assembly, whereas England shall be out to reclaim bragging rights as they hope to safe their second main match in as a few years.
Originally printed as Matildas to face England in historic World Cup semi-final
Source: www.dailytelegraph.com.au
