20 August 2023 , 06:00
767
0
As the FIFA Women’s World Cup reaches its peak, England and Spain will lock horns to decide who will be crowned world champions in Sydney.
The Lionesses ’ momentous 3-1 victory over hosts of Australia saw them soar through to the final in front of a muted Stadium Australia as Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo proved the heroes.
Spain’s last gasp 2-1 win over Sweden sent them to the tournament’s climax as everything now rides on one final game in Sydney.
The tournament has seen swathes of fans in their thousands flock to stadiums across Australia and New Zealand and millions across the world follow the action on their screens.
Both teams can get their hands on the trophy for the first time in their country's history and excitement is fizzing Down Under as the world anticipates an electric World Cup climax.
Earps reacts to FIFA Best nomination and on season so far with Man Utd
It is a rerun of England's quarter-final clash in the Euros last summer where Wiegman’s side emerged 2-1 victors over a nail-biting 120 minutes.
Ella Toone’s 84th minute equaliser and Georgia Stanway’s 96th minute extra-time winner achieved the colossal feat and, after Toone proved herself coming in for the suspended Lauren James against Australia, she could make the same impact on Sunday.
The stage will be set again at Stadium Australia as the hosts mark the end of a successful tournament on and off the pitch with a spectacular closing ceremony show before kick-off.
The closing ceremony will see Australian singer Tones and I perform the tournament’s official anthem Bring It On as more than 80,000 take their seats in the sell-out venue.
More than seven million tuned into England's semi-final triumph over the Matildas on Wednesday and another huge audience is expected this weekend.
Kick-off is 11:00am BST as Australia settle down at 8:00pm AEST for the highly-anticipated clash.
The final will be broadcast live of free-to-air TV in the UK as BBC One and ITV share coverage of the game.
In Saturday's third-place play-off fixture, Australia and Sweden will battle it out for a medal at 9:00am BST and the match will be broadcast live on ITV.