Focus on England’s World Cup semi-final opponents Australia after shootout win
England set up a World Cup semi-final clash with Australia following a 2-1 last-eight comeback victory over Colombia.
Lauren Hemp cancelled out Leicy Santos’ strike just before half-time and Alessia Russo found the winner to send the Lionesses to the final four.
They face a tough task against the co-hosts, who reached the next stage thanks to a thrilling 7-6 penalty shootout win against France.
Here, the PA news agency takes a look at the side standing in England’s way of a spot in the World Cup final.
Australia v Republic of Ireland – FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 – Group B – Sydney Football Stadium
Tony Gustavsson is no stranger to success on the international stage, with the Swede having assisted Jill Ellis with the United States Women’s National Team and won two World Cups with them in 2015 and 2019.
With experience coaching in men’s and women’s football, Gustavsson was appointed as Matildas head coach in 2020 and led them to their first-ever World Cup semi-final appearance with the victory against France.
"We've got Hayley Hayley Hayley Hayley Raso on the wing, on the wing!" #Matildas #FIFAWWC #TilitsDone pic.twitter.com/zdYV8yWUHc
— CommBank Matildas (@TheMatildas) August 7, 2023
All-time Australia top scorer Sam Kerr has been the poster girl for this year’s tournament, but the Chelsea forward has had her game time limited due to injury.
In her place, others have stepped up with Arsenal stars Steph Catley and Caitlin Foord making their presence felt, while Real Madrid’s Hayley Raso leads the goal charts for Australia with three so far in the tournament.
Goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold also provided the heroics during the quarter-final triumph, making some good saves throughout the game and stepped up during the penalty shootout.
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