England manager Sarina Wiegman living in a ‘fairy tale’ after second straight Women’s World Cup final

SYDNEY – England manager Sarina Wiegman said she felt she was living in a “fairy tale”, after her team advanced to the Women’s World Cup final

with a 3-1 win over co-hosts Australia

in Sydney.

Wednesday’s semi-final victory saw Wiegman, 53, become the first person to guide two different countries to a Women’s World Cup final, after she took her native Netherlands to the 2019 showpiece match, where they were defeated by the United States.

It also left reigning European champions England, who face fellow

first-time finalists Spain

in Sunday’s title decider in Sydney, on course for a notable double.

“We achieved the final!” Wiegman told the BBC. “It’s unbelievable, it feels like we won (the tournament) which we didn’t, we just won this game – in an incredible stadium, an away game, the way we played – it was a hard game, but we found a way to win again.

“In this team there is ruthlessness, up front or in defence. We really want to keep the ball out of the net, and we want to win.

“We stick together, we stick to the plan, and it worked again.

“Having the chance as a coach or a player to make it to two finals is really special. I never take anything for granted, but it’s like I’m living in a fairy tale or something.”

England went ahead through Ella Toone’s 36th-minute strike into the top right corner before Australia heroine Sam Kerr, making her first start of the tournament, equalised with a long-range shot in the 63rd minute.

Lauren Hemp, however, restored England’s advantage in the 71st minute after firing into the bottom far corner from Millie Bright’s long ball upfield.

Said Player of the Match Hemp, 23: “Getting to a World Cup final, it’s every kid’s dream. We’ve got a few days to recover. But then we go again.

“I feel like as a team, we’ve got such an inner belief or we’re so confident as a group, no matter what happens on the outside, no matter who we come up against every challenge we’ve managed to solve.

“Every game we’ve managed to come out on top and I feel like this team is so special. Obviously, you seen last year how successful we were. We... want to go one step further.”

Alessia Russo then put the result beyond doubt when she made it 3-1 four minutes before full time, beating Australia goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold with a well-struck low shot.

“When they (Australia) scored they got momentum, the place erupted and then Hempo’s goal just flipped the momentum, which was crucial. So to get 3-1, you can settle a bit and see the game out,” said Russo.

Asked about England’s prospects in the final, the 24-year-old forward said: “Spain are going to be even tougher.

“Every game in this tournament has been of the highest level, so we have to be ready. But we’ve been dreaming since we were little girls. We’re excited, we’ll recover and be ready.”

For 31-year-old England defender Lucy Bronze, twice a losing semi-finalist, Wednesday’s win had additional significance.

“The one thing I’ve always wanted to do is get to a World Cup final. After two times of such disappointment, I can’t believe it,” said Bronze, who plays her club football with Spanish side Barcelona.

“Spain have been very good, they did have that defeat against Japan. Me and Keira (Walsh) know 90 per cent of the squad very well, so we’ll be getting questions in the analysis I’m sure.”

England have now reached their first football World Cup final since the men’s team beat West Germany 4-2 at Wembley back in 1966.

Wednesday’s win sparked numerous tributes to the Lionesses, with England men’s captain Harry Kane telling Sky Sports: “Massive congratulations to the Lionesses...

“We are all behind them and hopefully they can do it in the final.”

Prince William, the heir to the British throne and president of England’s Football Association, tweeted: “What a phenomenal performance from the @Lionesses – on to the final!”

There was praise too from British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who tweeted: “What a performance @Lionesses. Just one more game to go... Bring on Sunday.” AFP, REUTERS