ALESSIA RUSSO dashed Colombia’s giant-killing dreams as England ended their hopes of claiming another major scalp at this year’s World Cup.
Another flicked Russo special paved the way for Sarina Wiegman’s side to book a semi-final date with Australia after a battling 2-1 win in Sydney.
Much has been said about the manner of the Lionesses’ victories in this tournament with displays being less goal-laden and swashbuckling than their previous dismantling opponents under Wiegman.
But the fact they are grinding out hard-fought wins in a contest without Leah Williamson, Beth Mead and Fran Kirby, should serve as a warning to the contest’s other semi-finalists.
This summer has seen Wiegman’s battlers scrape their way to victories amid an injury scare and a player suspension with Lauren James banned from this match and the semis’.
And of all the sides left in the tournament at the quarter-final stage they’ve had the best defensive record having conceded just twice in open play.
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Against Nigeria last time out, the Lionesses struggled to dominate in attack with the Super Eagles’ pressing vigorously and neutralising James.
In that game, their opponents struggled with finishing and seemed to be missing that killer instinct in the final third.
But against Colombia, they came up against a team that has just that. And one unafraid to mix slick passing and threatening counters with some dicey challenges.
Minutes after World Cup wonderkid Linda Caiceido gave Jess Carter the slip and fired wide in the box, another Colombian teen sensation made her presence felt.
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Ana Guzman, who entered as a substitute after goalkeeper Catalina Perez injured team-mate Carolina Arias, did well to avoid a booking for some dodgy challenges.
The defender clattered Lauren Hemp with the forward dropping heavily only to see ref Ektarina Koroleva wave play on despite Sarina Wiegman’s protests.
And Rachel Daly was on the receiving end of a hand and poke to the face which the ref also chose to ignore.
Colombia took a 44th-minute lead with Leicy Santos looping dipping shot dropping behind Mary Earps.
But England silenced the partisan crowd with Hemp punishing a fumble from keeper Perez to level in first-half injury time.
Colombia looked to hit Wiegman’s aces back early in the second spell with Marya Ramirez crashing a right-footed shot outside the post.
But it was the Lionesses who pounced with Georgia Stanway nutmegging Daniela Arias to tee up Russo’s second goal of the tournament
And the Euros champs held out to clinch the win and book a tricky semis date with World Cup co-hosts Australia next Wednesday.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
