After a record-breaking tournament for the Aussies, the Matildas’ stellar performance in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup has come to an end, defeated by the English Lionesses 1-3.
The English side dominated possession for most of the match, and although Sam Kerr showed promising signs of a comeback, the Matildas were no match for the Lionesses.
More than 75,000 fans gathered at Stadium Australia in Sydney Olympic Park to witness Australia’s first ever appearance in a FIFA World Cup semi-final.
“Take a deep breath. We’re about to do something we’ve never done before. We’re about to play in the FIFA Women’s World Cup semi-final,” a Channel 7 commentator said.
The early minutes of the game saw Sam Kerr knocked in the ankle, the shin, even the face. Alex Greenwood copped a yellow card in the ninth minute, showing promising signs for an Australian offensive.
But the Lionesses held possession most of the first half, and even Mackenzie Arnold’s show-stopping defence couldn’t keep out English Ella Toone’s goal in the 35th minute, taking the score at half time 0-1 to the visitors.
The Matildas looked dangerous in the second half, with Sam Kerr showing the Lionesses how it’s done with an extraordinary goal, leveling the score to 1-1.
Kerr made three attempts at goal, keeping the packed stadium and millions of viewers at home at the edge of their seats.
But the Lionesses held their fort, led by Lauren Hemp, who scored the second goal for England and set up their third.
The six minutes of extra time couldn’t save Australia from defeat, bringing the final score 1-3 to the Lionesses.
The Matildas will play Sweden in contest for third place in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup on Saturday August 19 in Brisbane.
The final between Spain and England will take place the following day, Sunday August 20.