Sarina Wiegman perfectly sums England 'fairytale' after World Cup semi-final win

16 August 2023 , 12:45

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Sarina Wiegman has had her say on England's win over Australia

England boss Sarina Wiegman said it feels like a "fairytale" to reach the Women's World Cup Final.

In front of a sell-out crowd Sydney, the Lionesses romped to a 3-1 victory over tournament co-hosts Australia, becoming the first English side since 1966 to reach a World Cup Final. Ella Toone opened the scoring in the first half before a stunning strike from Sam Kerr brought the Matildas level after the break.

But Lauren Hemp quickly restored England's advantage before Alessia Ruso capped off a superb display with a smart finish to book England's place in the last two. "It feels like we won it but we haven't yet," Wiegman told BBC Sport after the game. "It felt like an away game but again we found a way to win.

"This team has ruthlessness, in attack and in defence. We really want to keep the ball out of our net and we really want to win. Australia have done an incredible job and grew into the tournament. You saw why Sam Kerr is the star but they are really tough to play against."

Wiegman is the first manager to have guided two separate teams - in men's or women's football - to a World Cup Final. She also guided the Netherlands to the final of the 2019 Women's World Cup, where they lost 2-0 to the United States.

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"I don't know [how I have made it to two World Cup finals]," she said. "We have made it to two finals and you never take anything for granted but I feel like I am living in a fairytale."

England will face Spain at Stadium Australia on Sunday as they bid to add a World Cup trophy to their European crown. Jorge Vilda's side edged past Sweden to book their spot in the Final and are also competing in the showpiece fixture for the first time.

Beth Lindop