THREE football fan zones in London sold out in just eight minutes for the Women’s World Cup final.
The nation will come to a standstill on Sunday for the Lionesses’ date with destiny against Spain.
And 2,500 spaces at Boxpark sites in Shoreditch, Wembley and Croydon were instantly snapped up following England’s thrilling 3-1 semi-final win over hosts Australia.
Goals from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessio Russo secured a superb win in Sydney, sending the nation into pandemonium.
Pubs up and down the country were packed as supporters roared the Lionesses to victory.
The fan zone in Croydon turned into an impromptu dance floor as the Lionesses confirmed their place in the final.
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The only person who seemed to be sitting down when the final whistle was heard at the South London venue was a lone Australian at the front of the zone.
Lionesses fans put children on their shoulders, danced on tables and sang football hits following the historic victory.
And now they are preparing for the biggest match of all.
England manager Sarina Wiegman led the team to European Championship last year and could now go down in history on Sunday.
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Wiegman told BBC Sport: “We achieved the final!
“It’s unbelievable, it feels like we won [the tournament] which we didn’t, we just won this game – in an incredible stadium, an away game, the way we played – it was a hard game, but we found a way to win again.
“Australia have had an incredible tournament, they grew into the tournament.
“They had some setbacks, they had to win their last group-stage game and then they got better and better.
“I just said to [assistant manager] Arjan, having the chance as a coach or a player to make it to two finals is really special.
“I never take anything for granted, but it’s like I’m living in a fairytale or something.”
Goals from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo knocked the co-hosts out after Sam Kerr levelled in the second half.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk