In a thrilling semifinal showdown, England clinched their maiden appearance in the Women's World Cup final by defeating host nation Australia, with young sensation Alessia Russo delivering a crucial strike to seal the win. As England prepares for an all-European final face-off against Spain, our spotlight turns to Russo - not only a rising star on the pitch but also a figure deeply interwoven with football heritage off it.

Dive into this edition to relive the riveting match highlights and get an intimate look into Alessia's journey, from her football-entrenched family roots to her enduring spirit in overcoming challenges.

Australia vs England (1-3)

In an intense semifinal clash at Sydney's Stadium Australia, England triumphed over the host nation, Australia, with a 3-1 victory, earning their first-ever spot in the Women's World Cup final. England's Ella Toone opened the scoring in the first half, but Australia's Sam Kerr leveled the game in the 63rd minute. The tie was short-lived as Lauren Hemp netted the go-ahead goal for England, followed by a late strike from Alessia Russo. In a twist of fate, Australia, hosting the World Cup, was on the brink of joining the final, a feat last achieved by a host country in 1999 when the U.S. played for and won the women's title.

Sam Kerr's missed opportunity in the 85th minute could have turned the game into one of Australia's most memorable sports victories if she had scored her second equalizer. England's rapid counterattack following this miss culminated in Russo's goal, sealing the match. England's victory has set the stage for an all-European final against Spain, a scenario unseen since the Germany vs. Sweden final in 2003. Under the leadership of manager Sabrina Wiegman, who previously led the Netherlands to the final in 2019, England now eyes their maiden Women's World Cup title.

Player Spotlight: Alessia Russo

In her debut World Cup appearance, 24-year-old Alessia Russo has emerged as a key player for England. Russo is no stranger to the limelight, having previously gained fame with an iconic backheel goal during the Euros, ensuring England's triumph over Sweden. While her on-pitch achievements continue to garner attention, Russo's off-pitch life is deeply rooted in football as well, influenced by her Italian heritage and a family steeped in the sport.

Alessia's grandfather, originally from Sicily, migrated to England in the 1950s and passed on his fervent love for Manchester United to her. Hailing from Maidstone, Kent, Russo's familial bond with football runs deep; her father Mario, a former non-league footballer for the Met Police, and her brother Giorgio, who played semi-professionally, both exemplify the sport's significance in their lives. Recognizing her potential early on, her father transitioned her from a girls' team to a boys' team, a decision that garnered its fair share of raised eyebrows. Another noteworthy anecdote from her early life includes serving as a mascot for then-Charlton Athletic captain, Casey Stoney, whom Russo would later professionally play under when Stoney signed her for Manchester United in 2020.

Russo's journey, however, hasn't been devoid of challenges. A hamstring injury in 2020 served as a pivotal moment, teaching her resilience and the value of every training session and match. After recovery, she not only became Man United's top scorer but also expanded her horizons, eventually signing with Arsenal post her Man United contract. Beyond football, Russo's personality shines through in her love for music, with artists like Drake and Rihanna featuring on her pre-game playlist. Her recent accolades include an honorary doctorate from Canterbury Christ Church University and becoming the first female European sports ambassador for Beats by Dre.