Australia didn’t deserve to win. A dirty game early, I think a few yellow cards were the order to intimidate the Aussies. I feel it worked. They played like they were overwhelmed by it all. Mistakes everywhere. Little ones adding up. They were not the confident team they’ve been in previous games.
The English mopped up the errors turning them all into opportunities instantly.
Lots of key moments the Aussies were suddenly in possession and it was as if they would hesitate for a second or even half a second when the ball could have been used to their advantage. That was all it took every time for the English to then be all over them. That fleeting pause with the ball. That half a step. England were the better team there. They never hesitated in the same opportunities. Just flowed.
Mackenzie Arnold was not playing as she has. Some huge mistakes, and misjudgements that she wouldn’t normally make. Two goals should have been defended easily.
Even with Sam Kerr fudging a few opportunities, they should have been in a 1-1 situation.
Hesitations. Errors.
England deserved that win. The right team to go through.