Matildas to face England in historic World Cup semi-final

It is a match set to break records across the country and the globe. And now the Matildas know exactly who they will play for a shot at history.

Jessica Carter celebrates on the final whistle after England’s victory over Colombia. Picture: AFP Images

Australia will face England in Wednesday’s historic semi-final World Cup match, a game likely to break records across the country and the globe.

England defeated Colombia 2-1 in their quarterfinal match to confirm the face-off with the Matildas and send the South Americans home, ending their euphoric run.

England had the best of the chances early, with Alessia Russo and Rachel Daly both delivering meaningful attempts at goal, but without the delivery service of Lauren James, they were pushed further into the centre channel - and a defiant Colombian defence.

And their resilience was rewarded, with Colombia taking the lead early through a delightful strike from Leicy Santos.

Despite the efforts up front, it was defence which ultimately cost the Colombians. A lack of discipline from Perez resulted in a fumble which gifted England their first goal - Lauren Hemp’s second for the tournament.

Colombia had been forced into an early substitution, with Carolina Arias retired for injury and replaced by Ana Guzman.

Guzman was one of Colombia’s best, linking with their key striker Mayra Ramirez for Colombia’s best attempts on goal, but her workrate getting back opened a channel for England to punish.

Arais was a key feature for Colombia in their 2-1 win over Germany and had played almost every minute of the tournament so far. Her withdrawal saw England direct their play towards the left and the tested combination of Daly and Hemp.

Linda Caicedo is consoled by Alex Greenwood on the final whistle as England moved into the semi-finals of the World Cup. Picture: Getty Images

Georgia Stanway was again crucial for England, though while the Lionesses were dominant in possession through the middle, they didn’t look infallible.

Colombia’s preference to play the ball on the ground troubled Millie Bright and Lucy Bronze and despite the Colombian forward line not having a significant speed advantage - as the Matildas would - they managed to play in behind England with wide balls and clever control.

Without the creative force of Lauren James, England’s routes to goal were lessened, with most shots on target delivered straight to the hands of Perez.

James will still be unavailable on Wednesday, serving the second match of her two game suspension after receiving a red card against Nigeria.

JOYLESS WITHOUT JAMES

Lauren James’ two-match suspension could still prove incredibly costly, with England playing little of the ball through Ella Toone, behind the front line. Toone worked hard for her team, but filling the boots of James was a near-impossible ask, given James had been one of the Lionesses best performers and a joy to watch with the ball.

Mary Earps showed why she is one of the best keepers in the world. Picture: AFP Images

NOT-CONTRARY MARY EARPS

The 2022 FIFA Goalkeeper of the Year showed exactly why she was worthy of the accolade, pulling off a stunning save to deny Colombia an equaliser with the long-range attempt of Durango. After conceding Santos’ worldie - a contender for goal of the tournament - Earps kept her head up and was clinical thereafter in goal, responding to every question that the South Americans asked of her with style.

AUSTRALIA EYE REPEAT

Australia and England last met in April with the Matildas securing an historic 2-0 win away from home to end the Lionesses’ 30-match unbeaten run, which included their 2022 Euros win. The Matildas will take plenty of confidence from the meeting, while England will be out to reclaim bragging rights as they hope to secure their second major tournament in as many years.

Originally published as Matildas to face England in historic World Cup semi-final