England defeat Australia to reach final of Women’s World Cup

England reached its first women’s World Cup final on Wednesday and will face Spain after beating Australia 3-1.

The victory of the English buried the dream of the Australian hosts to play in the World Cup final after a campaign that led them to the first semifinal in their history.

Spain sealed their ticket on Tuesday by defeating Sweden 2-1, so next Sunday’s final in Sydney will have two teams that have never played a final of the tournament.

England went ahead in the 36th minute through Ella Toone with a cross-shot inside the area, while Sam Kerr (63) unleashed the madness of the home fans with a shot from outside the area that surpassed the jump of the English goalkeeper Mary Earps.

But Lauren Hemp (71) took advantage of an oversight by the Australian defense to make it 2-1, and Alessia Russo (86) made it 3-1 at the end of the game, a bucket of cold water for the local fans.

Cheered on by nearly 80,000 spectators at Stadium Australia in Sydney, “the Matildas” came out from the start with their captain and goalscorer Kerr, who had played little in the World Cup due to injury.

Throughout the day, the streets of Sydney were packed with fans who came out wearing jerseys, scarves, and hats alluding to their women’s team.

But the”Lionesses” showed their trade as European champions and were not intimidated by the massive public support. They kept a close eye on English Chelsea figure Kerr, whom they know well.

The English goal silenced the enthusiastic Australian fans, who raved about the plays of the skilled Mary Fowler, well-controlled by the tough opposition defense.

The “Matildas” improved possession of the ball in the second half, although with difficulties creating chances to score.

It was the “Lionesses” who shot the most against Mackenzie Arnold’s goal and managed to take a two-goal lead in the final stretch of the game, sentencing the farewell to the locals, after a historic campaign.