Women's World Cup: England qualify for semi-finals
England 2 - 1 Colombia
As they came from behind against a dangerous Colombia side, England set up a Women's World Cup semi-final with co-hosts Australia.
Despite not playing their best football in the tournament, the European champions showed a much more rounded performance in Sydney in front of a hostile crowd.
After goalkeeper Mary Earps had been beaten by a quick-thinking lob in the first half, the Lionesses capitalised on two slices of luck after being composed in defence and hard-working in attack.
After Colombia goalkeeper Catalina Perez spilled a routine gather in the six-yard area under pressure from Alessia Russo, Lauren Hemp poked in the equalizer just seven minutes after Leicy Santos had caught out Earps.
Russo, who had only scored once in four World Cup matches before Saturday's quarter-final, worked tirelessly out of possession, pounced on a kind deflection to score England's second goal.
As Colombia's attacking line-up included Real Madrid's teenage sensation Linda Caicedo, Earps was required to tip Lorena Durango Bedoya's effort over the bar.
The Lionesses, who had to deal with a crowd of 75,784 who were largely backing Colombia, face co-hosts Australia next on 16th August.
England find a way to get through again
🗣️ "We know everyone wants to beat us, but we have a winning mentality."
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) August 13, 2023
Can the European champions go all the way at #FIFAWWC 2023? 🔮
England had faced challenges to advance in the competition, securing 1-0 victories against Haiti and Denmark during the group stages. In the round of 16, they managed to win through a penalty shootout against Nigeria.
Despite being without their leading scorer Lauren James, who was suspended due to a red card received against Nigeria, England performed adequately in this match to secure what was a hard-fought victory.
Colombia, positioned 21 spots lower in the rankings compared to England, had already demonstrated their capability in Australia by defeating Euro 2022 finalists Germany in the group stages and making stylish progress in the tournament.
This victory was far from straightforward, yet the perseverance and determination that England had to exhibit throughout the match played a crucial role in securing what was a well deserved win.
More Women's World Cup stories
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Women's World Cup: England battle to victory against Nigeria
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Women's World Cup: Sweden progress to last four
The best reaction to this match
🤩 pic.twitter.com/uGWfGHBHfC
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) August 13, 2023
Rebecca watched the match on television and spoke with us, saying, "England has successfully confronted every obstacle encountered in the Women's World Cup, although the challenges ahead in the semi-finals are expected to be even more formidable."
Jonathan added: "That was much better from this England side, I knew that Colombia were going to be a challenge, due to their aggression and raw talent. But the Lionesses just proved that they can win this. Australia up next! This will beour toughest challenge for sure, but we can do it."
