Let’s take a look at the player ratings from the semi-final match that took place in Sydney in the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
England broke Australian hearts on Wednesday by beating Australia 2-1 in Sydney in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals. The victory secured their spot in Sunday’s final, where they’ll meet Spain, who defeated Sweden 2-1 the day before.
In Sydney, England got off to a solid start. The Lionesses had the lion’s share of possession and took a half-time lead through a goal from Ella Toone. The Manchester United midfielder fired the ball into the top corner in the 36th minute.
Even with Sam Kerr back in the line-up, Australia offered little threat. The Matildas only had four shots in the opening half, with only one on target.
That said, Australia stepped up their game after the break and began pressuring England. Their persistence paid off when Kerr pulled off a brilliant solo effort. The Chelsea star fired a 25-yard effort into the top corner to level the scoreline.
Kerr’s strike brought the game to life, as both sides gave their all for that second goal. Then, capitalizing on a rare Ellie Carpenter error, Lauren Hemp got in behind and drilled the ball past Mackenzie Arnold to restore England’s lead.
Four minutes from Alessia Russo added a third goal to seal a 3-1 win. The result secured England a place in the World Cup final for the first time. They’ll now prepare to face Spain at the Stadium Australia on Sunday.
As for Australia, the Matildas bow out of the tournament at the semi-final stage. The co-hosts never made it so far before in the competition. They’ll be back for one last game on Saturday against Sweden in the third-place match.
Australia Women vs England Women Player Ratings
AUSTRALIA: Mackenzie Arnold (5); Ellie Carpenter (4), Clare Hunt (6), Clare Polkinghorne (6), Steph Catley (5); Hayley Raso (6), Katrina Gorry (7), Kyra Cooney-Cross (6), Caitlin Foord (5), Sam Kerr (8), Mary Fowler (6).
BENCH: Cortnee Vine (5), Alex Chidiac (N/A)
ENGLAND: Mary Earps (6); Jess Carter (6), Millie Bright (7), Alex Greenwood (8); Lucy Bronze (7), Georgia Stanway (7), Keira Walsh (6), Rachel Daly (6); Ella Toone (8); Alessia Russo (8), Lauren Hemp (8).
BENCH: Niamh Charles (N/A), Chloe Kelly (N/A).
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