 |
| Head Coach Tony Gustavsson (L) and Mackenzie Arnold (R) of Australia speak to the media in an Australia Matildas press conference during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 at Stadium Australia on August 15, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. |
England and Australia are both hoping to make history by reaching the Women’s World Cup final for the first time when they meet in Sydney on Wednesday.
Australia boss Tony Gustavsson, whose side progressed to the last four with an epic penalty shootout win over France, says the co-hosts “are on a mission – they are not done yet”.
The Matildas had never advanced beyond the quarter-finals before this tournament, while European champions England are playing in their third successive World Cup semi-final.
“You can never take anything for granted,” said Lionesses manager Sarina Wiegman, whose side came from behind to defeat Colombia 2-1 in their quarter-final.
“It’s very special to go so far in the tournament but when you’re there you really want to win and get to the final.”
The winner will face Spain in Sunday’s final at Stadium Australia in Sydney.
Australia would be the first hosts to reach the final since USA’s victory on home soil in 1999, while England are bidding to become the fourth nation – after Brazil, Germany and Sweden – to reach both a men’s and women’s World Cup final.