Only a few teams remain in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, but who will make the finals on Aug. 20?
Wednesday morning’s clash between England and Australia will determine who joins Spain in the championship game. The match kicks off at 6:00 a.m. ET in Sydney.
Read on for everything you need to know about tomorrow’s all-or-nothing semi-final.
Last time out
Alessia Russo’s second-half goal earned England a 2-1 victory over Colombia in the quarter-finals. However, Colombia pushed the Lionesses to the brink and were first on the scoresheet. England will have to have a better start against Australia on Wednesday than they did versus the South Americans.
The Matildas edged out France on penalties to book their spot in the next round. Many people thought the French giants would squeeze past the Aussies, but Tony Gustavsson’s side proved that technique, patience and solid goalkeeping can go a long way.
England at-a-glance
While England is enjoying an undefeated World Cup so far, there’s been some nervy moments.
In the group stage, England began with a tight 1-0 win over Haiti, with the only goal coming from a converted Georgia Stanway penalty. The Lionesses then won 1-0 over Denmark and 5-1 over China to top Group D.
In the round of 16, Sarina Wiegman’s side faced a gritty Nigerian squad. England pulled off the win in penalties after rising star Lauren James was sent off with a red card. After receiving a two-game ban, the 21-year-old will be unavailable for Wednesday’s game.
England really shone in the quarter-finals. After conceding a goal to Colombia near the end of the first half, Lauren Hemp’s tap-in gave them momentum heading into the break. Russo sealed the match in the 63rd minute.
What’s clear is that England has found its footing in the tournament. The team has a knack for grinding out results, and their resiliency and belief has got them through tough situations. This will be the Lionesses’ third-straight Women’s World Cup semi-final.
No Lauren James, no problem
After England’s 5-1 dismantling of China, James was all the rage. She scored two goals and assisted three, becoming one of the only players in World Cup history to be directly involved in five-goal contributions. When the Chelsea star received a red card in the round of 16, questions arose as to how England would line up against Colombia without their attacking threat.
However, the English looked strong against a tough Colombian team. They found a way to adapt their system and get the ball in the net. Russo particularly shined with her ball control and awareness on the pitch. She’ll be an important player against the Matildas.
If the scoreline is tight near the end of the match, look for Wiegman to bring on Manchester City forward Chloe Kelly. The 25-year-old has a penchant for coming on and making a difference, and is a lethal penalty taker if the game 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 triumph over Canada.
In the round of 16, the Aussies cruised to a comfortable 2-0 win over Denmark. Thanks to quick passes, clinical finishes and a whole lot of confidence, Caitlin Foord and Hayley Raso secured the win.
In front of almost 50,000 rowdy home fans, Australia advanced to the semi-finals for the first time in its history. After extra time finished 0-0, Gustavsson’s side beat France 7-6 on penalties — one of the longest penalty rounds in World Cup History.
Many soccer fans tapped Les Bleues to advance due to their depth and experience at major international tournaments. However, the Matildas’ strength and ability to execute a solid game plan proved victorious — not to mention having home soil advantage.
Will Sam Kerr grab her first goal of the tournament?
Another storyline of this Women’s World Cup is Australia’s star striker Sam Kerr. She’s been sidelined for most of the tournament due to a calf injury. While the Matildas are clearly doing fine without Kerr, her precision and speed in front of the net will be important moving forward.
Before the Cup began, Kerr was undoubtedly the face of the tournament. The 29-year-old didn’t appear in the group stage but came on as a substitute for the last two games. Could this be Kerr’s time to come on the pitch and have her moment in front of her home fans?
Amidst Kerr’s absence, Real Madrid forward Hayley Raso has been excellent. She currently has three goals to her name and has been vital in both transition play and in the final third.
History and betting odds
The Lionesses and the Matildas have faced each other four times. Most recently, they played a friendly in April where Australia broke Wiegman’s 30-game unbeaten streak.
In 2018 the teams drew 1-1, and in 2015 England won 1-0 (both friendlies). Earlier in 2015, the Lionesses beat Australia 3-0 in the group stage of the Cyprus Cup.
According to Sports Interaction, England are favoured to win the match with a 2.28 score. Australia is at 3.10 to get the win
