The European champions claimed a 2-1 victory over Colombia to book their place in the Women’s World Cup semi-final after a tense and physical encounter
The Lionesses are through to the Women’s World Cup semi-final following a fierce 2-1 victory over tournament dark horses Colombia.
Leicy Santos’ lobbed stunner fired Colombia into an unlikely lead in a tempestuous first-half. But a goalkeeping mare from Catalina Pérez saw Lauren Hemp draw England level on the stroke of half-time before Alessia Russo’s second-half strike sealed the deal for the Lionesses.
A semi-final berth against co-hosts Australia now awaits Sarina Wiegman’s team, but the immediate scenes of jubilant celebration from the European champions at full-time were punctuated by England defender Alex Greenwood consoling Colombia’s distraught Linda Caicedo.
Where Colombia had stolen the hearts of many a World Cup fan, the 18-year-old Real Madrid starlet had kept hold of them with her effervescent skill and aplomb on the world’s grandest stage.