You can find everything about the World Cup in football: Competition news, topics, Futistietäjä, program, results and statistics on ‘s World Cup website. England and Australia will meet in the semi-final on Wednesday at 1 p.m.
World Cup sensational team Australia’s championship dreams were dashed on Wednesday, when England advanced to the World Cup final for the first time in their history with a 3–1 victory.
Australia’s dream really came to life in the second half when the star player Sam Kerr blew Sydney’s Olympic Stadium into jubilation with one of the most spectacular goals of the Games.
The Chelsea striker shot the ball from a distance, from about 25 meters into the upper left corner. You can see the painting in the video below.
However, the joy of the equalizer turned into severe disappointment when England took the lead again, and Kerr failed to equalize despite his two top positions.
– I think I did everything I could. If I had practiced more than five times during this World Cup, maybe I would have scored it, Kerr lamented to Channel 7.
Kerr referred to his injury and the fact that he was therefore not in top shape during the Games.
– But I can’t blame myself for everything. You have to think about all the things that the team and I have done, to be where we are and to inspire the nation.
According to Kerr, all team members are proud of each other.
– But whatever happens, I wouldn’t want to be in any other team. This is my team, these are my friends, my best friends. I love them to death.
Australian head coach Tony Gustavsson on the other hand, resented the inefficiency.
– After a quick analysis, the result was decided by the efficiency of the finish. They were more clinical than us, Gustavsson said.
Katrina Gorry was on the same lines.
– Sometimes you win in football, sometimes you lose. This is just an annoying moment to lose. We created a lot of chances for me and we kept the ball well at times. We were able to create pressure. But we didn’t get the ball in the net and they did, Gorry lamented.
When Australia failed, England punished and took a decisive 3–1 lead Alessia Russo by hitting Australia never recovered from this.
– My happiness is in the hills, unbelievable. We’ve said we’ve been dreaming of the semi-finals, but this is what it’s all about, the World Cup final, Russo beamed to the BBC.
– One thing I’ve always wanted is to reach the World Cup final. After two disappointments, I can’t believe this, the England defender Lucy Bronze in turn said.
Bronze described England as being determined and tenacious. He also stated that the team discussed the fanatical crowd and silencing them.
– We dream of reaching the final, all our family and friends have booked their way there because they believe in us. Australia had a fantastic tournament but we are in the final.
Sports expert Marianne Miettinen stated after the match that football once again offered great emotions.
– Think about what football offered to the 80,000-strong audience and the players. A few days ago you were in the highest emotional state and now you are in that. However, I am confident that Australia will rise to fight for bronze.
Sports expert Hanna Ruohomaa you can see that precisely because of the evenness of the game in Australia it certainly feels bad.
– It sure feels like shit. This was not a humiliating loss for Australia. The game was 2–1 when Sam Kerr put a cross over the line. You can’t tell if it would have been a different game. Maybe it wouldn’t feel so bad if there was one head all the time. Especially the second half was really even.
According to the experts, it was the more flawless team that reached the next round.
– England was more flawless. When you know how strong Australia is in counterattacks, England was mostly able to defend them well, Miettinen snaoo.
– There was a bit of uncertainty in defending special situations, but overall a much more stable and stronger team.
England will face Spain in the final on Sunday, and Australia will face Sweden in the bronze medal match.