Women's World Cup: England advances to 3rd straight semifinal with 2-1 defeat over Colombia
Despite missing several players due to injury (and one due to a two-game ban), England is headed to the Women's World Cup semifinals for the third straight tournament. The Lionesses defeated Colombia 2-1 on Saturday thanks to a winner from Alessia Russo.
It was a tough, physical match. Colombia got scoring started in the 44th minute with a goal from Leicy Santos, who lofted in a beauty right over keeper Mary Earps' head.
AN ABSOLUTE BEAUTY FROM LEICY SANTOS 🇨🇴 pic.twitter.com/ktL77HpNwh
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 12, 2023
But Colombia didn't hold the lead for long. During stoppage time at the end of the first half, Lauren Hemp found the net to even the score 1-1.
THE LIONESSES HAVE LEVELED IT THANKS TO LAUREN HEMP 🏴 pic.twitter.com/ThoojPDhAl
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 12, 2023
About 20 minutes into the second half, England took the lead on a goal from Alessia Russo, and stayed in front for the rest of the match.
"RUSSOOOOOO" 🏴 pic.twitter.com/7E4N2A0ZE2
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 12, 2023
England had to work hard for that win, especially with Colombian teenage phenom Linda Caicedo on the field. She gave England trouble from start to finish. Every time there was a flurry of action near England's goal, Caicedo was in the middle of it.
Linda Caicedo is causing concerns for the Lionesses' defense 🇨🇴 pic.twitter.com/xMQx9X5FSn
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 12, 2023
Linda Caicedo is giving it all that she has in the final moments of this match 🇨🇴 pic.twitter.com/6qldXTORQM
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 12, 2023
But it wasn't quite enough. Colombia searched desperately for an equalizer to extend the game, and almost had one in the 76th minute, but in the end weren't able to find one.
Mayra Ramírez is going to want that chance back 👀 pic.twitter.com/lOrWQuWsVI
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 12, 2023
Colombia is doing all that it can to try and find its late equalizer 🇨🇴 pic.twitter.com/iwsGgDLDga
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 12, 2023
England will face Australia in a semifinal match Wednesday. Australia also won Saturday, defeating France in a wild game that ended with the longest penalty shootout in tournament history.