Women’s World Cup Briefing: The Harsh Comedown

Plus: A Dream Ending for England, a Dream Denied for Australia

ADVERTISEMENT Aug. 16, 2023, 12:30 p.m. Eastern time Alessia Russo's goal for England, and the moment at which it seemed clear that Australia's dream of a World Cup final was fully out of reach.Alessandra Tarantino/Associated Press By Rory Smith It is not a bromide to suggest that Australia's run in this tournament will have what Alex Chidiac, one of its midfielders, called a "lasting legacy" in this country. Its effects will take time to crystallize, of course. "There will be so many young girls who have been inspired by what we have done," defender Steph Catley said. It felt, to Hayley Raso, as if the Matildas had "got the whole country on board." It may well be that this tournament comes to be seen, a decade from now, as the beginning of a virtuous circle for Australian women's soccer, as well as men's soccer. "There is no argument now that people are not interested," Catley pointed out. For all of those fans recently won over by the sport, by this team, though, there is an important lesson. Sports are capricious and they are cruel. Australia was still airborne, reveling in Kerr's goal, doing all it could to inhale a second, when Ellie Carpenter misjudged a long ball. Lauren Hemp spotted her hesitation. Through the fug of its delirium, the crowd needed a second to process the sight of Mackenzie Arnold's outstretched arm, the ball nestling in the net, Hemp wheeling away in celebration. All of a sudden, just when it was at its most potent, the spell had been broken, and so had Australia's hearts. Featured Today Asanka Brendon Ratnayake/Reuters   A Dream Ending for England, a Dream Denied for Australia Answering Sam Kerr's tying goal with two of its own, England advanced to an all-European Women's World Cup final against Spain. Read this story Standings Latest Results FULL TIME Australia 1 England 3 Next Match SATURDAY 4:00 A.M. EASTERN TIME | BRISBANE STADIUM Sweden Australia See bracket and schedule More World Cup Coverage Kerr Scored. The Crowd Roared. But England Wasn't Done. England advanced to its first World Cup final by leaning on the experience and the resilience of a champion. Spain Gets Last Word, and Reaches First World Cup Final A late swing of goals and emotions ended with a dramatic winner by Olga Carmona, and Spain one win from its first world championship. Australia's Matildas Unite a Nation and Crack the Code Wars The World Cup has added a new dimension to a national sporting conversation often dominated by the rivalry between rugby and Australian rules football. See more stories Keep up with news around the world Your Places: Global Update All the latest news for any part of the world you select. Sign up here Continue reading the main story Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance. You received this email because you signed up for Women's World Cup Briefing from The New York Times. To stop receiving Women's World Cup Briefing, unsubscribe. To opt out of other promotional emails from The Times, including those regarding The Athletic, manage your email settings. To opt out of updates and offers sent from The Athletic, submit a request. Subscribe to The TimesGet The New York Times app Connect with us on: Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018