Russo explains how England went about completing World Cup comeback vs Colombia
Alessia Russo says England were never "stressed" despite falling behind in their World Cup quarter-final with Colombia.
Sarina Wiegman's team had trailed for the first time in their campaign after a stunning Leicy Santos opener, but Lauren Hemp levelled just before the break. Russo's superb finish just after the hour completed the turnaround and set-up a semi-final showdown with co-hosts Australia.
England very rarely fall behind under Wiegman. The last time they trailed in a competitive game came back in the Euro 2022 quarter-final when Spain went 1-0 up before the Lionesses hit back.
And Russo, who was named Player of the Match by FIFA, said England refused to panic despite finding themselves in the unusual scenario. It is a trait that could serve them well as the tournament reaches crunch time.
"I think we knew what we had to do as a team," said Russo. "Colombia are a top team too so when they get moments they are ruthless.
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"We weren’t stressed, it was something we took in our stride, but we knew there were areas we wanted to exploit and we did that more in the second half.
"I don’t think we were over-panicked, these things happen in football and you’re not always going to be ahead in games. We are just buzzing to be in the semi-finals."
A tight contest looked to be heading towards extra-time midway through the second half. But Russo made the difference, latching onto a defensive error before firing past Catalina Perez with a fine finish.
It was her second goal at the finals, after scoring against China in the group stage and the Arsenal forward and her teammates and now just one game away from a World Cup final.
"I'm buzzing to get the win," she said. "And get the goal but you’re in those moments a lot as a striker. It’s kind of what you train for. It was a split second to take a shot and I went across the goalkeeper. Fortunately it went in.
Alessia Russo of England is tackled by Manuela Vanegas of Colombia (Matt King - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)"I tried to work as hard as I can on the pitch. There is often sometimes a bit of luck in football. I was glad I took it when it came. I was in the right position and it was fortunate it went in the back of the net."
Russo was also full of praise for England's opponents. Colombia were physical throughout a tough contest and were it not for a sensational late block from Alex Greenwood they might have taken it to extra-time.
"First and foremost the Colombians were incredible – not just the players but the fans," she added. "That’s what World Cups are all about. It’s seeing the top teams on the biggest stage with all their fans behind them.
"We had a taste of it tonight because their fans were incredible. It’s another test but one that’s exciting – not only to face the hosts but also to be in the World Cup semi-finals and to keep the dream alive."
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