JUST IN: England survive Colombia hurdle reach semifinals
European champions England survived Colombia challenge on Saturday to complete the line-up for semifinal fixtures of the ongoing world Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
Colombia’s Santos fired the team into the lead in the 44th minute of the match.
The Colombians were looking good to close the first half with a goal advantage but that did not happen as Hemp leveled up for England in the six minutes of added time.
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Russo added the winning goal in the second half to seal semifinal place for the Lionesses
Lauren Hemp has now scored 12 goals in 43 appearances for England including two at this Women’s World Cup
England set-up a Women’s World Cup semi-final with co-hosts Australia after taking their chances against a dangerous Colombia side.
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Lauren Hemp poked in the equaliser, just seven minutes after Leicy Santos had caught out Earps, when Colombia goalkeeper Catalina Perez spilled a routine gather in the six-yard area under pressure from Alessia Russo.
Arsenal striker Russo, who had only scored once in four World Cup matches prior to Saturday’s quarter-final, worked tirelessly out of possession, earning her opportunity when she pounced on a kind deflection to drill in England’s second.
The Lionesses, who had to deal with a crowd of 75,784 who were largely backing Colombia, face co-hosts Australia next on 16 August.
England have had to battle their way through the competition, needing 1-0 wins to creep past Haiti and Denmark in the group stages, before a penalty shootout victory over Nigeria in the last 16. Interestingly England coach Wiegman prayed against penalties which appeared to be a prayer answered.