Womens World Cup co-hosts Australia host England in the semi-finals on Wednesday; Sarina Wiegman and Tony Gustavsson played down their favourite and underdog tags in their respective press conferences; Australia are the only team to beat the Lionesses under Wiegman
Gustavsson did concede that the crowd could play a"massive" role on Wednesday. The match is expected to be the biggest sports event in Australian history, eclipsing the night Cathy Freeman won gold at the 2000 Sydney Olympics."I have said from day one, we actually don't look at it as pressure," said Gustavsson."We look at it as a privilege that so many people believe in this team. We feel the support.
Captain Millie Bright knows how inspiring that is but it also gives the team an idea of the flip side and what they might expect. It is England against Australia - the nation not just the football team. "So credit to Australia for selling out the stadium and creating that atmosphere because we know the women's game is still on a journey, but what a place to be."
"We can see that they play much more direct. It will be an interesting tactical game in that sense, because are England going to stay true to their possession game or are they going to take away our transition game by playing a different style of football than they normally do and just adjusting in that sense?Australia are the only team to have beaten England under Sarina Wiegman
Will Gustavsson's lack of rotation among his squad catch up with the Matildas in what has been an intense few weeks of tournament football?
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Previewing the Australia-England World Cup MatchSean Gregory writes about the semi-final that's likely to be a blockbuster
Read more »
England's Van Poortvliet ruled out of World CupEngland scrum-half Jack van Poortvliet will miss the Rugby World Cup because of an ankle injury which requires surgery.
Read more »
England star Stanway thanks Man Utd cult hero for influence at Women's World Cup'He’s honestly the best guy, one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet.'
Read more »
England's 2023 World Cup Squad
Read more »