 England are into the semi-final of the Women's World Cup after coming from behind to beat Colombia 2-1 in Sydney on Saturday. The Lionesses were made to work hard by the physical South American side, who took the lead in the first half and had the favourites on the back foot. It was the impressive Leicy Santos who gave Colombia that lead 44 minutes in as a cross-shot floated over Mary Earps in the England goal, reminiscent of David Seaman being beaten by Ronaldinho back in 2002. It could have rattled Sarina Wiegman's side but they were gifted an equaliser in stoppage time in the first half as Colombia goalkeeper Catalina Perez spilled a routine take, allowing Lauren Hemp to poke home. There were chances at both ends in the second half, but it was Alessia Russo who made the difference between the sides, smartly finishing a through ball from Georgia Stanway just after the hour-mark. Colombia pushed hard and England were forced into some last ditch defending a the final whistle approached, but that whistle did come without any more goals and the Lionesses keep their World Cup dream alive. It certainly does not get any easier for Wiegman's women, with co-hosts Australia next up in the semis on Wednesday in Sydney after their dramatic penalty shootout win over France earlier on Saturday. Alessia Russo celebrates giving England the lead with Ella Toone (Picture: Getty Images) England got off to a good start, looking bright and there was an early problem for Colombia as Carolina Arias was forced off with injury just 10 minutes in. The Lionesses had chances through Rachel Daly and Russo, but neither could break the early deadlock as they fired efforts straight at the goalkeeper and over the bar. Colombia began to get into their rhythm midway into the opening stanza, with the exciting Linda Caicedo looking bright, and they took the lead shortly before the break. Santos had the ball in t){kind=link}
NEWS… BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
England are into the semi-final of the Women’s World Cup after coming from behind to beat Colombia 2-1 in Sydney on Saturday.
The Lionesses were made to work hard by the physical South American side, who took the lead in the first half and had the favourites on the back foot.
It was the impressive Leicy Santos who gave Colombia that lead 44 minutes in as a cross-shot floated over Mary Earps in the England goal, reminiscent of David Seaman being beaten by Ronaldinho back in 2002.
It could have rattled Sarina Wiegman’s side but they were gifted an equaliser in stoppage time in the first half as Colombia goalkeeper Catalina Perez spilled a routine take, allowing Lauren Hemp to poke home.