England vs Colombia, FIFA Women’s World Cup Quarter-final: Match Report
The Lionesses dispose of the Colombians (2-1) to secure a place in the Semi-Final, thanks to efforts from Alessia Russo and Lauren Hemp pouncing on a mistake.
England and Colombia have only met once before this game, where England previously beat the Cafeteros with the same result as today, 2-1 in the group stages of the 2015 Women’s World Cup.
Despite a fantastic strike from Colombian midfielder, Leicy Santos, to send her shot looping over England keeper Mary Earps head, it was not enough to tame the Lionesses and their solid defence.
Alex Greenwood consoles Linda Caicedo following Colomia’s defeat to England 2-1. Credit: FIFAWWC/X.
Sarina Wiegman’s side demonstrated their quality from the offset and dominated possession for the majority of the game, (62%) not allowing Nelson Abadía’s side to get organised and create opportunities for their stars Linda Caicedo and Mayra Ramírez.
England’s four women midfield with the utilisation of Lucy Bronze and Rachel Daly as wing-backs, gave England much needed space to operate and break lines of play with ease, racking up 522 passes with 81% accuracy, in comparison to Colombia’s 332 with 68% accuracy.
Nonetheless, it was Las Cafeteras who broke the deadlock in the 44’ minute, thanks to Colombia’s No.10, Leicy Santos, sizing up Rachel Daly on the right hand side before whipping it past Mary Earps, catching the Manchester United keeper out of position.
This would be England’s only goal conceded from open play during the tournament, with the only other goal they allowed to get past them being a penalty in the Group stage against China.
The excitement was short lived however, as just before the break, Lauren Hemp takes advantage of Catalina Pérez’s failure to hold on to the loose ball from a cross, allowing the Lionesses to level things up in Stadium Australia.
Going into the second half, Wiegman’s side carry on the momentum and take their first lead of the game through Alessia Russo who’s first touch beats Colombian defender, Daniela Arias, to then fire it past Catalina Pérez.
England’s compact defence (without Lauren James because of a red card in her last game against Nigeria) withstood pressure from the Colombians, thanks to Millie Bright leading the backline for the Lionesses.
Colombia’s record run in the tournament comes to an end and England advance to the Semi-Final to face hosts Australia on Wednesday 16th August 11:00 BST. Australia have only lost one match in this World Cup and it was to Nigeria in the group stage (3-2), a team which England beat on penalties (4-2) in the Round of 16.
