England outperforms hosts Australia to reach their first World Cup final.

England advanced to their first Women’s World Cup final with a 3-1 victory against Australia on Wednesday, despite a miraculous goal from Matildas striker Sam Kerr, as the co-hosts’ Cinderella run came to an end. England outperforms hosts Australia to reach their first World Cup final.

England took the lead in the first half thanks to attacking midfielder Ella Toone, but a magnificent strike from captain Kerr, making her maiden appearance of the tournament, levelled things up after halftime as Stadium Australia exploded in joy.

However, Lauren Hemp regained England’s lead before Alessia Russo put the game out of reach shortly before the end.

England, which has lost in the semifinals of the past two World Cups, will meet Spain on Sunday in an attempt to add a world crown to last year’s European Championship win.

Sarina Wiegman’s team definitely had a game plan to push themselves physically on Australia, committing nine fouls in the first half to limit their opponents’ attacking possibilities.

In the 36th minute, Russo fought her way to the byline before cutting the ball back to Toone, who slammed it into the top right corner for her first goal of the tournament.

Australia came out much stronger in the second half, forcing England higher up the ground in hopes of a historic moment to mirror Cathy Freeman’s amazing 400m victory in the same venue at the 2000 Olympics.

Kerr received the ball in her own half, sprinted toward goal, and blasted an unstoppable rocket into the top left corner from 25 yards out, beating the diving Mary Earps.

The stadium roared as Australia fans watched their golden lady score in this tournament for the first time, reigniting hope that Tony Gustavsson’s team could still win the tournament.

However, the hosts fell behind again less than 10 minutes later.

Millie Bright’s long ball over the top was not cleared with by Matildas defender Ellie Carpenter, allowing Hemp to finish easily into the bottom corner to restore England’s advantage.

As the game neared its dying minutes, the 23-year-old turned wonderfully on the halfway line before sprinting toward goal and releasing Russo, who struck a low shot into the far corner to secure England’s spot in the final.