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‘Fairytale’ as England reach maiden WWC final
AFP, Sydney
An English side reached a football World Cup final for the first time in 57 years, with coach Sarina Wiegman saying she felt she was living in a “fairytale” after her team advanced to the Women’s World Cup final with a 3-1 win over tournament co-hosts Australia in Sydney.
Wednesday’s semifinal victory saw Wiegman become the first coach to guide two different countries to a Women’s World Cup final, after she took her native Netherlands to the 2019 showpiece match, where they were defeated by the United States.
It also left reigning European champions England, who face fellow first-time finalists Spain in Sunday’s title decider in Sydney, on course for a notable double.
The last time that England reached a World Cup final was when the men’s team beat Eusébio’s Portugal in the semifinal of the 1966 edition. That time Bobby Moore’s side beat West Germany 4-2 at Wembley to win their only World Cup.
“We achieved the final!” Wiegman told the BBC. “It’s unbelievable, it feels like we won (the tournament) which we didn’t, we just won this game -- in an incredible stadium, an away game, the way we played -- it was a hard game, but we found a way to win again.”
The 53-year-old added: “People have been talking about ruthlessness all the time, in this team there is ruthlessness, up front or in defence. We really want to keep the ball out of the net and we want to win.
“We stick together, we stick to the plan, and it worked again.”
“Having the chance as a coach or a player to make it to two finals is really special. I never take anything for granted, but it’s like I’m living in a fairytale or something.”
England went ahead through Ella Toone’s 36th-minute strike into the top right corner before Australia heroine Sam Kerr, making her first start of the tournament, equalised with a long-range shot in the 63rd minute.
Lauren Hemp, however, restored England’s advantage in the 71st minute after firing into the bottom far corner from Millie Bright’s long ball upfield.
Alessia Russo then put the result beyond doubt when she made it 3-1 four minutes before full-time, beating Australia goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold with a well-struck low shot.
“When they (Australia) scored they got momentum, the place erupted and then Hempo’s goal just flipped the momentum which was crucial so to get 3-1 you can settle a bit and see the game out,” said Russo.
The 24-year-old forward, asked about England’s prospects in the final, added: “Spain are going to be even tougher.
“Every game in this tournament has been of the highest level so we have to be ready. But we’ve been dreaming since we were little girls. We’re excited, we’ll recover and be ready.”
For 31-year-old England defender Lucy Bronze, twice a losing semi-finalist, Wednesday’s win had additional significance.
“The one thing I’ve always wanted to do is get to a World Cup final,” said Bronze, who plays her club football with Spanish side Barcelona.
Wednesday’s win sparked numerous tributes to the Lionesses, with England men’s captain Harry Kane telling Sky Sports: “Massive congratulations to the Lionesses... We are all behind them and hopefully they can do it in the final.”
There was praise too from British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who tweeted: “What a performance @Lionesses. Just one more game to go... Bring on Sunday.”