Alessia Russo scored her second goal of the World Cup as the Lionesses came from behind to beat Colombia to reach the semi finals.

In another hard-working display up top from Arsenal’s star signing, Russo’s smart turn and finish in the 63rd minute completed England’s comeback after the Lionesses had fallen behind thanks to a lob from Leicy Santos.

Russo played a crucial role in England’s equaliser merely seconds before half time, forcing a mistake by the Colombia goalkeeper who spilled the ball for Lauren Hemp to prod it home.

Lotte Wubben-Moy watched on from the bench once again as Russo made her fifth start of the tournament. The striker had a header saved in the early stages of the game and always used the ball well to benefit her team, even if goal scoring chances were not plentiful.

Fantastic shift, @alessiarusso7! ? pic.twitter.com/b3iTlolYkE

— Lionesses (@Lionesses) August 12, 2023

England will play Australia on Wednesday in the semi final, which will see Russo go head to head with two of her new Arsenal teammates, after a penalty shootout victory over France.

The Matildas were skippered by Steph Catley for the fifth game in a row, with Caitlin Foord also starting every game for Tony Gustavsson’s side.

With the two sides locked at 0-0, mainly thanks to a stunning block from Elisa De Almeida to deny a certain Mary Fowler goal, Chelsea forward Kerr was introduced just ten minutes into the second half. Neither side were able to make a breakthrough however, and the game headed to extra time- Australia and Catley’s fourth clean sheet after 90 minutes in the tournament.

So many games for club and country have been decided by a Wendie Renard header and it was almost the case once again ten minutes into extra time, but Renard was adjudged to have pulled back Caitlin Foord and the goal was promptly disallowed.

Substitute Courtnee Vine almost put Australia ahead after Foord made inroads down the left wing before delivering a low cross, with Vine’s effort just wide.

Arsenal’s Steph Catley has enjoyed an excellent tournament for the Matildas and was superb once again against France, rarely losing a duel and working tirelessly. 

Catley had scored penalties in wins over Ireland and Canada and would have to be called on once again as nothing separated Australia and France after 120 minutes.

Herve Renard changed his goalkeepers just before the shootout with Solene Durand substituted on for Pauline Peyraud Magnin. Duran guessed right but Arsenal’s Foord smashed her penalty into the bottom corner, before she saved Steph Catley’s effort.

After 20 penalties in an incredible shootout, the game was finally decided as youngster Courtnee Vine converted her penalty after Becho hit the post. The longest penalty shootout in Women’s World Cup history saw Catley, Foord and Australia progress to the semi finals.