Alessia Russo fired England into the semifinals of the Women's World Cup in a 2-1 win against Colombia on Saturday.
The Arsenal striker's second-half goal completed a come-from-behind win for the Lionesses after Leicy Santos had given the Colombians a first-half lead.
Lauren Hemp equalized before halftime and Russo struck the winner in the 63rd minute as England advanced to the semifinals for the third straight time. It will face co-host Australia for a spot in the final.
Sarina Wiegman is also a step closer to her second consecutive Women's World Cup final after her Netherlands team was runner-up to the United States in 2019.
England lost in the semifinals in 2015 and 2019, going out to Japan and the United States, respectively.
Wiegman led the Lionesses to victory in the European Championship last year, having won that competition with Netherlands in 2017.
With many of the favorites, including America, Germany, France and Japan, already eliminated, England will be increasingly confident that it can win its first Women's World Cup.
It showed character to come back from Santos' goal in the 44th at Stadium Australia.
Hemp evened the score in the seventh minute of first-half stoppage time when she capitalized on a mistake from Colombia keeper Catalina Perez.
England will play Australia in Sydney on Wednesday.
© Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
6 Comments
Login to comment
Fighto!
Top job by The Lionesses! They were finally able to display the fluency and threat we all saw last year at the Euros. Really well done. Alessia Russo is class - and her attack will be one for the Matildas to work on before next Wednesday.
Commiserations to the Colombian ladies who enjoyed an enormous, roaring contingent of expat support in the Olympic Stadium. They have announced themselves as contenders in international football. Linda Caicedo, at 18, is a generational talent who is destined to become a superstar.
Matildas v Lionesses on Wednesday night - a mouthwatering match-up! Set your calendars!
wallace
Great win for England.
Wandora
I care that England wins, but no need to get overly poetic like Fighto. It's just sport.
Dr.Cajetan Coelho
Las Chicas Superpoderosas from Colombia are good fighters. They kept the Lionesses and their fans on their toes till the final whistle. Looking forward to the semis between Lionesses against the Kangaroos in their own den.
tokyo_m
Well done England! Colombia did really well. Not so keen on their fans booing in the stadium though, that's really not the spirit of Women's Football. But just two more games and England really will be taking it home!
Wandora
But OK in Men's football?