In a captivating contest, England has progressed to the World Cup final by securing a thrilling 3-1 triumph over the host nation, Australia.
Even before the match commenced, the significance of the moment was unmistakably palpable within Stadium Australia.
The emotional impact extended beyond the stadium, evoking goosebumps across the nation and resonating globally in England, as the national anthems resounded to a resounding reception.
Notably, Sam Kerr made her debut in the starting XI for the Matildas in this tournament, underscoring the monumental magnitude of this match.
The Australian captain almost made it a firing start for her side, finding herself through on goal and one-on-one with Mary Earps early in the game.
The England goalkeeper demonstrated her prowess by making a crucial save against Sam Kerr’s attempt, only for Kerr to be pulled back for an offside decision.
On and off the field, tensions seemed to run high between the two nations, with Alex Greenwood receiving a yellow card for a forceful tackle on Kerr.
After a half-hour of play during which England dominated possession, they ultimately managed to break through the Matildas’ defense just before halftime.
Ella Toone gained possession on the left side of the penalty area and unleashed a fierce shot that found the top right corner of the net.
Goalkeeper Arnold had no chance of stopping that impressive strike. It was a well-earned goal for a team that had exerted control over most of the match.
🗣 “It’s a stunner!”
The moment Ella Toone put #ENG in front, as described by @VKSparks
You can watch #AUSENG with 5 Live commentary on @BBCiPlayer#BBCFootball #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/4J1gmZAiIB
— BBC 5 Live Sport (@5liveSport) August 16, 2023
England went into the break with a 1-0 lead and looking strong.
The opening moments of the second half started out much like the end of the first with England controlling much of the ball.
The Lionesses almost doubled their lead after an in-swinging corner found the head of Millie Bright on the six-yard box.
The Matildas were lucky to not be two goals down.
Needing something special, the Matildas received exactly that from their captain Sam Kerr.
Picking the ball up on the halfway line she surged toward the goal with England’s Alex Greenwood and Millie Bright ahead of her.
The Aussie captain found herself on the edge of the area and decided to do the impossible.
From just outside the 18-yard box she sent a ball flying into the top-right corner, with Mary Earps having no chance.
Sam Kerr that goal was outrageous 🔥 #FIFAWWC #AUS #ENG pic.twitter.com/DhQpiJehXI
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) August 16, 2023
The goal sent Stadium Australia into raptures as the Matildas star player had clawed Australia back into the game after England had looked dominant throughout.
It signalled Sam Kerr’s first goal of the Women’s World Cup in her first start for the Matildas.
But ecstasy soon turned to despair for Australia as Lauren Hemp found herself through and goal and cooly netted the ball past the Australian keeper.
The perfect response from England and Lauren Hemp! ⚽️ 👏 #FIFAWWC #ENG #AUS pic.twitter.com/7kYZ3ysEVn
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) August 16, 2023
It was a brilliant finish as those in Sydney soon fell quiet, and the Lionesses looked like once again spoiling Australia’s party.
Kerr had a brilliant chance from a set-piece that fell nicely on the volley for her on the six-yard box.
Unlike her brilliance earlier in the half, it was a chance wasted for the Australians.
Just moments later the Lionesses found themselves down the end following a quick counterattack down the right-hand side.
Alessia Russo collected the ball inside the box and calmly slotted the ball past Arnold to put the result beyond doubt.
England withstood a late surge for the Matildas to take home the game and secure their spot in the World Cup final.
For Australia it’s the end of the road for their tournament on home soil.
For the Lionesses its their chance to go back-to-back with wins in the European Championships and World Cup.