Heartbreak Down Under: Matildas fall to Lionesses 1-3 and prepare to face Sweden in 3rd place battle
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The Matildas' full-hearted effort in the FIFA Women's World Cup has been sadly destined to come to a close without the trophy in the end.
After Wednesday night's match, England secured a spot in the finals, finishing with a 3-1 win at Stadium Australia.
England’s Ella Toone was the first to get the ball rolling, giving the Lionesses a lead. However, Australian superstar Sam Kerr answered back with a stunning equaliser.
Unfortunately, the joy was fleeting, and the tournament hopes were dashed with a defensive error which Lauren Hemp capitalised on.
Alessia Russo put the final nail in the coffin with an effective shot, leaving the final score 3-1.
The Lionesses are off to compete in Sunday's final against Spain, while the Matildas prepare for a third-place playoff against Sweden on Saturday, August 19, which will be broadcast live and free on Seven and 7plus.
Kerr seemed unbothered by her calf injury, successfully deflecting several threatening moments for the Matildas. She was a starter for the first time this World Cup, having come off the bench in earlier games.
Kerr was also spotted wearing support and icing on her right calf the day before the match against England, prompting concerns about her participation in the monumental match.
In recognition of the challenge Kerr posed, the Lionesses went all out early on against the Tillies superstar, with Alex Greenwood earning a yellow card for a harsh challenge.
England had a tight grip on the game, taking the lead nearly 36 minutes in with a top-corner shot by Ella Toone.
The second half of the game was an equally tense affair, with all eyes on the Tillies, who were down 1 nil.
The period saw a couple of near-goals from Kerr and Caitlin Foord.
Source: YouTube/OptusSport
It was then that Kerr came through with a goal that settled the match 1-1, driving through the Lionesses’ defence with a long-range attack opposing goalkeeper Mary Earps had no answer against.
Kerr’s goal was easily a highlight for Australia, a nation enamoured by the Matildas’ stunning journey.
But alas, it just wasn't enough.
The succeeding exchanges favoured the streaking Lionesses, with Hemp and Russo shutting out the Tillies from Finals contention, 3-1.
It was just one of those games, and now the Matildas must pick themselves up for the next challenge coming their way.
While the Matildas are undoubtedly still grieving their loss, the strength and courage of Australia’s beloved national football team has not gone unrecognised.
Since the tournament commenced, the magnitude of this sporting event has been huge for Australian morale.
The commitment, skill and determination that the Matildas embody have done wonders in terms of culture, unity and, most importantly, fearlessness.
Our hearts go out to the amazing Matildas–you’ve done this country proud.
Source: YouTube/Optus Sport
So, what are your thoughts on this historic run by the Matildas? Let us know below!
After Wednesday night's match, England secured a spot in the finals, finishing with a 3-1 win at Stadium Australia.
England’s Ella Toone was the first to get the ball rolling, giving the Lionesses a lead. However, Australian superstar Sam Kerr answered back with a stunning equaliser.
Unfortunately, the joy was fleeting, and the tournament hopes were dashed with a defensive error which Lauren Hemp capitalised on.
Alessia Russo put the final nail in the coffin with an effective shot, leaving the final score 3-1.
The semis match added yet another chapter to the storied sports history between Australia and England. Image Source: Facebook/CommBank Matildas
The Lionesses are off to compete in Sunday's final against Spain, while the Matildas prepare for a third-place playoff against Sweden on Saturday, August 19, which will be broadcast live and free on Seven and 7plus.
Kerr seemed unbothered by her calf injury, successfully deflecting several threatening moments for the Matildas. She was a starter for the first time this World Cup, having come off the bench in earlier games.
Kerr was also spotted wearing support and icing on her right calf the day before the match against England, prompting concerns about her participation in the monumental match.
In recognition of the challenge Kerr posed, the Lionesses went all out early on against the Tillies superstar, with Alex Greenwood earning a yellow card for a harsh challenge.
England had a tight grip on the game, taking the lead nearly 36 minutes in with a top-corner shot by Ella Toone.
The second half of the game was an equally tense affair, with all eyes on the Tillies, who were down 1 nil.
The period saw a couple of near-goals from Kerr and Caitlin Foord.
Source: YouTube/OptusSport
It was then that Kerr came through with a goal that settled the match 1-1, driving through the Lionesses’ defence with a long-range attack opposing goalkeeper Mary Earps had no answer against.
Kerr’s goal was easily a highlight for Australia, a nation enamoured by the Matildas’ stunning journey.
But alas, it just wasn't enough.
The succeeding exchanges favoured the streaking Lionesses, with Hemp and Russo shutting out the Tillies from Finals contention, 3-1.
It was just one of those games, and now the Matildas must pick themselves up for the next challenge coming their way.
While the Matildas are undoubtedly still grieving their loss, the strength and courage of Australia’s beloved national football team has not gone unrecognised.
Since the tournament commenced, the magnitude of this sporting event has been huge for Australian morale.
The commitment, skill and determination that the Matildas embody have done wonders in terms of culture, unity and, most importantly, fearlessness.
Our hearts go out to the amazing Matildas–you’ve done this country proud.
Source: YouTube/Optus Sport
So, what are your thoughts on this historic run by the Matildas? Let us know below!
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