Both Matildas vs Lions had played their most competitive performance.This has been the biggest sporting event so far in Australia History while Australia plays against England. The Matildas were determined to get their first World Cup Finalists as the host since the USA did back in 1999. Tony Gustavsson was hoping if Australia could get a victory against England which they’re good as the Matildas. While Sabrina Weigman was focused that the Lionesses could possibly do a rematch which that was her only lost as manager against Australia 2-0 in a friendly match in April of 2023. The match was hosted in Stadium Australia in Olympic Park of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. The supporters of 75,784 came to watch a great excited match for Australia vs England.
The match started off with Australia taking control while England quickly took defense. At the 7th minute, Sam Kerr almost got herself a goal for Australia which was blocked by Mary Herps. At the 9th minute, Stanway was close to get get a goal which Mackenzie Arnold managed to save it.17th minute, Russo passed it to Hemp which it hit the net on. At the 30th minute, Australia took the corner kick which Hayley Raso almost give the Matildas a goal. At the 36th minute, Rachel Daly passed it to Hemp to Russo and small pass to Ella Toone which she give England on the opening score to lead the Matildas 1-0. the 38th minute, Elie Carpenter pass it to Gorry but it was a great save from Herps. Both teams played well which it ended up England 1-0
During the 2nd Half, The Matilda’s has to find a way in order to go to the World Cup. 47th minute Sam Kerr almost got her goal. At the 57th minute, Lauren Hemp had everything she can which she wasn’t called for a foul but kept going and Mackenzie Arnold was able to save it. At the 63rd minute Sam Kerr took the ball and ran all the way which give Australia a 30 yards kick goal to level up 1-1. The fans at Stadium Australia was electrified as Sam Kerr scored her goal in her host nation. IAt the 67th minute, Kyra Cooney-Cross took the long range kick which Sam Kerr did the header but Herps was able to save it for England. It didn’t last when England took the sacrifice at the 71st minute when Millie Bright did a long pass to Lauren Hemp and passed through the Australian defense and give England the lead again. Australia thought that they could pull through but it didmd last with England with the might roar of getting into their way. In the last 20 minutes Australia had refused to give up hope as Sam Kerr did a head but aimed at the wrong direction which it would’ve been the moment for Australia to catch up England. So the Matildas kept trying but Mary Herps wouldn’t let Australia get a chance to catch up to them. When Australia had the corner kick, Sam Kerr just had her moment but pushed the pressure and booted up instead of direct goal. By the 86th minute, Lauren Hemp give out a massive pass to Alessia Russo a goal for England 3-1, which might do for England to play against Spain in the World Cup Final. The England squad cheered and celebrated like a victory which Australia had everything they could but didn’t get the job done. In the final minutes, Australia had tried possession but it was too late to level it up 3-3 which sadly Australia has been eliminated in the Semifinals against England 3-1.
The Matildas should be proud of themselves that they change the way to bring young girls and fans around the country to get into soccer. There was a lot of emotions from Australia which they thought they could be the host nation to reach to the finals. The Lionesses on the other hand had one of the best performances in the World Cup campaign which the team was able to play in their true spirit of soccer. The Aussie Fans has shown spirit to this sport. It will live on to continue the future of the Matilda’s which hopefully they can bring a silverware to their history. The whole squad has to now focus on getting Bronze against Sweden in Brisbane which they can bonce back and turn around. The love of every soccer fan around the world who now believe in the Matildas are true spirits and hopefully one day they can show the world to see what they can accomplish in other other conceptions like the Summer Olympics and other International Tournaments.
