The 2023 Women’s World Cup is in full swing, and these daily files give you the latest reporting from around the tournament as well as betting lines, what-to-watch-for information and best reads. Check in with ESPN throughout the tournament as we bring you the latest from Australia and New Zealand.
The lead: Old rivalry, new sport as England to face Australia
SYDNEY — Australia will face England at Stadium Australia on Wednesday in the 2023 World Cup semifinals after the European champions came from behind to beat Colombia 2-1 and book a place against the Matildas, who earlier Saturday won a penalty shootout against France.
Leicy Santos gave Colombia the lead close to half-time, only for Lauren Hemp to equalise in the sixth minute of added time right before the break. England striker Alessia Russo, who had so many questions asked of her during the tournament as her struggle for goals embodied those of her team as a whole, then struck midway through the second half with a clinical finish that ultimately decided the tie.
And so, for the first time, one of the biggest international sporting rivalries will have a match in a competitive football fixture. And the stakes are about almost as high as they could be, with a place in a World Cup final on the line.
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