England reach World Cup final after knocking out Australia

Sports Desk, Aug 16 (EFE).- England ended co-hosts Australia’s dream World Cup run with a clinical 3-1 win in the semi-final on Wednesday in Sydney.

After dominating the early phases, the Lionesses took a deserved lead through Ella Toone’s 31st minute strike that flew past Mackenzie Arnold into the top corner.

While England continued to dominate possession, Australia were much improved in the second half, regularly threatening on the counter attack.

They scored a magnificent equalizer just after the hour-mark, as captain Sam Kerr raced clear on the break before firing in a wonderful shot from distance over Mary Earps.

But less than 10 minutes later, England restored their lead when Lauren Hemp capitalized on sloppy defending to dampen the celebratory mood in Stadium Australia.

The Aussies continued to press forward and had several chances to equalize, with Kerr guilty of squandering a golden opportunity from inside the six yard box.

Moments later, England struck a hammer blow as Hemp drove forward against a retreating Australian backline and played an excellent reverse pass to release Alessia Russo who struck a precise finish to seal the match and book England’s place in the final.

The Lionesses will face Spain in Sunday’s showdown. EFE

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