Thrilling Match: England Triumphs Over Colombia 2-1 in Women’s World Cup 2023
England defeated Colombia 2-1 on Saturday, August 12th, securing a place in the semi-finals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023. Colombia, through Lesi Santos, managed to take the lead inside Australia’s Sydney Stadium, but Laren Hemp capitalized on a mistake by Colombia’s goalkeeper, Catalina Perez, equalizing during injury time. Alicia Russo then scored in the 63rd minute, becoming the winner when she seized on a home-fumbled opportunity.
On Wednesday, August 16th, they will face host Australia in the semi-finals, as expected, this opening exchange was quite physical. England capitalized on Colombia’s initial chances, getting into the same path that its own goalkeeper, Perez, intervened to prevent Carolina Arias’s attempt through Russo’s effort. However, it was Colombia who struck first, right before the break, as Saintous was seemingly lining up to cross when England’s goalkeeper, Mary Earps, boldly presented herself.
It's so much more than just a game. đŸ«¶#BeyondGreatness | #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/7m7NMlBaNd
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) August 12, 2023
Sharney immediately attacked, and, six minutes into stoppage time, Perez threw a ball that should have been easily collected, instead deflecting it into the path of Russo, who finished powerfully.
England began the second half with determination, and Perez once again pushed a Daily header wide from a corner. Just an hour into the game, they extended their lead as Perez struggled to cut out a dangerous pass from Steinway, with Russo in its path, who found the corner with a curling shot.
In search of an equalizer, South American emerged, and they nearly found it in remarkable fashion as Lorena Durrango’s long-range effort forced Earps into a fine save. But they were limited by a lack of urgency and had to be content with their best-ever tournament performance to date.
For European champions England, a collision with host Australia awaits, with both teams participating in the Women’s World Cup final for the first time.