England hero Alessia Russo insists World Cup final feels like a "normal game"
Alessia Russo used to play World Cup in her back garden.
On Sunday she will do it for real in front of a massive global audience, 75,000 spectators - and an expectant country desperate to savour success. To those who don’t know the kind of World Cup that Russo loved playing as a young girl, the game is played by a group, with one player in goal and one rule - whoever scores stays in.
The winner is the one who remains and scores the most. It goes without saying that Arsenal striker Russo wants that to be the Lionesses. She said: “This is the biggest game, the one you dream about and the one that means the most.
“I think it will hit when we’re in the tunnel and ready to walk out. It’s an incredible occasion, it’s been an unbelievable tournament and this is it. This is the moment we want to be in. We can’t wait.
“It takes me back to when I was a kid we used to play World Cup in the garden so we had to score to stay in. I have such fond memories with the local kids and also my brothers and my youth teams.
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“We were just having fun and playing free. As a kid, growing up to think you’re playing in a World Cup final in a couple of days is a special feeling. It’s a real ‘pinch-me’ moment.”
Sarina Wiegman’s players stand on the threshold of a game that so few have sampled. There is excitement but it is tempered. From day one they have not wavered in the belief of themselves and their team-mates.
Alessia Russo has scored three goals to help England reach the World Cup Final (Mark Metcalfe - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)Even when performances have not been up to scratch, they have bobbed, weaved and found a way to win. At this stage, the quiet confidence of the Lionesses is compelling.
Russo added: “Right now. all I want to do is go out, put on a performance to be proud of and obviously win. We started this tournament wanting to win seven games and this is the message.
“This is the last one to go and we’re really locked in. It’s been an incredible year - but we’re always focused on what’s next. You never really kind of get to enjoy the moment.
Have your say! Will the Lionesses win the World Cup? Give us your score prediction in the comments section.
The Lionesses roared into Sunday's final by beating co-hosts Australia 3-1“I’m sure I will when I get back and I’m old and grey. Right now it’s about what’s coming up and what there is to achieve. For players, obviously we’re all aware it’s a World Cup final and there’s that on the line but as soon as you cross the line it’s just a normal game.
“It’s what we love to do. It’s 11-v-11 and we have to win. As soon as we step out on the pitch, we know our job and what we need to do. We’re aware it’s a World Cup final but we’ll just play our game.
“We’re very relaxed and chilled. It feels like a normal game to us which is great and shows the composure of the team. Camp has been great from the first game until now. It feels pretty similar. But we’re just looking at it as another game we must win.”
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