ENGLAND 2-1 COLOMBIA: The Lionesses fought a tough battle against a physical Colombian side but Alessia Russo’s winner in the second half ensured a place in the semi-finals against hosts Australia
England booked a Women’s World Cup semi-final with Australia after edging out a physical Colombia side 2-1.
The Lionesses trailed 1-0 in the 44th minute after a goal from Colombia’s Leicy Santos, after a nervy first half with several referee decisions questioned by fans. Lauren Hemp equalised in the dying minute of the first half to keep England’s semi-final hopes alive, which were boosted in the second half with a stunning goal from Alessia Russo to seal it in the 63rd minute.
England will play the Matildas in the second semi-final on Wednesday, August 16 in Sydney, returning to Stadium Australia. But as with the last round, the Lionesses were given a huge scare. Colombia opened the scoring when Santos lifted the ball over Mary Earps with a superb chip, sending the majority of the crowd wild.
But this England side are made of tough stuff and fought back before the break. Hemp grabbing her second goal of the tournament, bundling home after Catalina Perez spilled at the crucial time.