Colombia proved to be a tough opponent, but England emerged victorious with a 2-1 win, securing a spot in the semi-finals of the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
Despite not playing their best football in the tournament, the European champions showcased a more well-rounded performance against Colombia in front of a hostile crowd in Sydney.
Displaying strength in defense and diligence in attack, the Lionesses capitalized on two strokes of luck after goalkeeper Mary Earps allowed a cleverly executed lob in the first half.
Lauren Hemp scored the equalizer just seven minutes after Leicy Santos took advantage of Earps’ mistake, thanks to a fumbled routine save by Colombia goalkeeper Catalina Perez under pressure from Alessia Russo.
Russo, who had only scored once in the World Cup prior to the quarter-final match, put in an outstanding effort, tirelessly working without the ball and seizing her opportunity when she drilled in England’s second goal after a lucky deflection.
Earps was put to the test later, tipping Lorena Durango Bedoya’s shot over the bar, while Colombia’s talented attacking line-up, featuring Real Madrid’s teenage sensation Linda Caicedo, continued to threaten England’s defense.
The Lionesses, faced with a largely pro-Colombia crowd of 75,784, will now face co-hosts Australia on 16 August.
Throughout the competition, England has had to fight hard, securing narrow 1-0 victories against Haiti and Denmark in the group stages and a penalty shootout win over Nigeria in the round of 16.
Although they had to play without their top scorer, Lauren James, who is currently serving a two-match suspension due to a red card received against Nigeria, England’s attacking efforts were enough to secure a hard-fought victory.
Colombia, ranked 21 places lower than England, had already demonstrated their skill in Australia by defeating Euro 2022 finalists Germany in the group stages.
Their attacking line-up posed challenges for England and they desperately pushed for an equalizer towards the end of the match, testing the resilience of England’s defense.
However, England’s backline, led by the center-back trio of Millie Bright, Alex Greenwood, and Jess Carter, stood tall against the physicality and determination of the Colombians.
The stands at Stadium Australia were filled with yellow shirts as Colombia fans enthusiastically supported their team, waving scarves whenever their team made advances over the halfway line and whistling loudly when England had possession of the ball.
This victory was far from easy, but England once again showcased their resilience and determination, securing a well-deserved win on Saturday.