England come from behind to secure a 2-1 victory over Columbia to see them through to the World Cup Semi-Finals against Australia.
Only one change from the England side that beat Nigeria on penalties in the knockout stages. With Lauren James missing the rest of the World Cup, from a red card, Ella Toone came in to replace her at the number 10 spot.
It was a nervy start from England, with Columbia picking the ball up early. A rapid, Catalina Usme, managed to get inside the England back line, however Earps collected it safely. England knew they were going to have to be very careful with Columbias fast turn overs, if they didn’t want to be caught out in this match.
WHAT A CHANCE! Bronze crosses a perfect ball into the box, for Russo to calmly head the ball down to Hemp. Hemp's first touch was perfect, however her shot was parried away. The follow up from Russo came off Carolina Arias's head, who came off moments after, due an injury she picked up from the challenge. Somehow, it's still 0-0!
Another excellent chance from England, just inside the half hour mark. Greenwood's corner lands perfectly for Stanway on the edge of the box. She manages to reach Rachel Daly just outside of the six-yard box, however her header lands straight into the arms of Columbia goalkeeper, Catalina Perez. There just wasn't enough pace on the header to challenge Perez enough.
Leicy Santos sends Columbia into the lead. she manages to stand up daily on the right-hand side and send an out-swinging ball striaght towards goal, flying over Mary Earps' head. There is nothing Earps can do about it and her side are 1-0 down with minutes to go in this first hand. Whether it was a cross or shot from Santos, she won't care, as it takes her team into the lead in this quarter-final match at the World Cup.
A stroke of luck for England manages them to pull one back just before half time. All of Columbia's defensive efforts are lost from a goalkeeper error and England are able to ake iot all level with seconds to play of this first half. The ball straight for Russo, who managed to knock the ball on for Hemp. After a drop of the ball from Perez, Hep is bale to poke it home levelling up the scoreboard to one a piece.
Half time: England 1-1 Columbia
The start to the second half saw Columbia sit a lot deeper, aiming to strike England on the counter, as they were doing for much of the first half. Ramirez manages to pick up the ball on the right hand side channel and shoots from a wide angle, but it fires wide.
Another Columbian defensive error sees England take much advantage of it. Stanway slides it through to Russo, who brilliantly draws away from the Columbain defender. arias makes a mess of it and Russo is able to slot it home, taking England into the lead.
Columbia still trying to find a equaliser. Midfielder, Lorena Bedoya performs a wonder strike for over 25-yards out. Mary Earps eagerly watches the ball fly, and she is able to tip it over the bar, going out for a Columbian corner. Bedoya gets the same chance seconds later, however it skies over the bar.
Eight minutes of added time puts a lot of pressure on the England defence, however they manage to pull through and scrape a 2-1 victory over the Columbians.
England will now look ahead to face joint hosts, Australia, in the World Cup Semi-Final, next Wednesday.
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