Women’s World Cup Semifinal 2: England, Australia primed for big showdown

Football
Published 15.08.2023
Women’s World Cup Semifinal 2: England, Australia primed for big showdown

Only a number of groups stay within the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, however who will make the finals on Aug. 20?

Wednesday morning’s conflict between England and Australia will decide who joins Spain within the championship recreation. The match kicks off at 6:00 a.m. ET in Sydney.

Read on for every thing it is advisable to find out about tomorrow’s all-or-nothing semi-final.

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Last day trip

Alessia Russo’s second-half purpose earned England a 2-1 victory over Colombia within the quarter-finals. However, Colombia pushed the Lionesses to the brink and have been first on the scoresheet. England should have a greater begin in opposition to Australia on Wednesday than they did versus the South Americans.

The Matildas edged out France on penalties to guide their spot within the subsequent spherical. Many folks thought the French giants would squeeze previous the Aussies, however Tony Gustavsson’s aspect proved that approach, persistence and stable goalkeeping can go a good distance.

England at-a-glance

While England is having fun with an undefeated World Cup up to now, there’s been some nervy moments.

In the group stage, England started with a decent 1-0 win over Haiti, with the one purpose coming from a transformed Georgia Stanway penalty. The Lionesses then received 1-0 over Denmark and 5-1 over China to high Group D.

In the spherical of 16, Sarina Wiegman’s aspect confronted a gritty Nigerian squad. England pulled off the win in penalties after rising star Lauren James was despatched off with a pink card. After receiving a two-game ban, the 21-year-old will probably be unavailable for Wednesday’s recreation.

England actually shone within the quarter-finals. After conceding a purpose to Colombia close to the top of the primary half, Lauren Hemp’s tap-in gave them momentum heading into the break. Russo sealed the match within the 63rd minute.

What’s clear is that England has discovered its footing within the event. The crew has a knack for grinding out outcomes, and their resiliency and perception has received them by powerful conditions. This would be the Lionesses’ third-straight Women’s World Cup semi-final.

No Lauren James, no drawback

After England’s 5-1 dismantling of China, James was all the craze. She scored two objectives and assisted three, changing into one of many solely gamers in World Cup historical past to be instantly concerned in five-goal contributions. When the Chelsea star acquired a pink card within the spherical of 16, questions arose as to how England would line up in opposition to Colombia with out their attacking risk.

However, the English appeared sturdy in opposition to a tricky Colombian crew. They discovered a approach to adapt their system and get the ball within the internet. Russo notably shined together with her ball management and consciousness on the pitch. She’ll be an essential participant in opposition to the Matildas.

If the scoreline is tight close to the top of the match, search for Wiegman to carry on Manchester City ahead Chloe Kelly. The 25-year-old has a penchant for approaching and making a distinction, and is a deadly penalty taker if the sport requires it.

Australia at-a-glance

Australia’s Cinderella story continues on the world’s stage. The Matilda’s topped Group B, the “group of death,” with a 1-0 win over Ireland, a 2-3 loss to Nigeria, and a 4-0 conquer Canada.

In the spherical of 16, the Aussies cruised to a snug 2-0 win over Denmark. Thanks to fast passes, medical finishes and a complete lot of confidence, Caitlin Foord and Hayley Raso secured the win.

In entrance of just about 50,000 rowdy residence followers, Australia superior to the semi-finals for the primary time in its historical past. After additional time completed 0-0, Gustavsson’s aspect beat France 7-6 on penalties — one of many longest penalty rounds in World Cup History.

Many soccer followers tapped Les Bleues to advance as a consequence of their depth and expertise at main worldwide tournaments. However, the Matildas’ energy and talent to execute a stable recreation plan proved victorious — to not point out having residence soil benefit.

Will Sam Kerr seize her first purpose of the event?

Another storyline of this Women’s World Cup is Australia’s star striker Sam Kerr. She’s been sidelined for many of the event as a consequence of a calf harm. While the Matildas are clearly doing nice with out Kerr, her precision and pace in entrance of the web will probably be essential shifting ahead.

Before the Cup started, Kerr was undoubtedly the face of the event. The 29-year-old didn’t seem within the group stage however got here on as an alternative choice to the final two video games. Could this be Kerr’s time to come back on the pitch and have her second in entrance of her residence followers?

Amidst Kerr’s absence, Real Madrid ahead Hayley Raso has been glorious. She at present has three objectives to her identify and has been important in each transition play and within the ultimate third.

History and betting odds

The Lionesses and the Matildas have confronted one another 4 instances. Most lately, they performed a pleasant in April the place Australia broke Wiegman’s 30-game unbeaten streak.

In 2018 the groups drew 1-1, and in 2015 England received 1-0 (each friendlies). Earlier in 2015, the Lionesses beat Australia 3-0 within the group stage of the Cyprus Cup.

According to Sports Interaction, England are favoured to win the match with a 2.28 rating. Australia is at 3.10 to get the win