ALESSIA'S A BIG HIT

Russo earns semi spot

- NEIL MOXLEY

ALESSIA RUSSO fired the into a World Cup and set up a monster clash with co-hosts Australia.

Lionesses semi-final The Arsenal striker slammed home the winner to cap a stirring fightback after Colombia drew first blood at Stadium Australia.

Russo took advantage of sloppy defending to book a spot in the last four as Sarina Wiegman's side dragged themselves back from the brink once again.

Lauren Hemp scored a crucial equaliser in first-half stoppage time, after a mistake by Colombia goalkeeper Catalina Perez, leaving Russo to grab the glory and book a date with the old enemy on Wednesday.

Head coach Wiegman said: "The team again showed some resilience and a lot of togetherness. I'm just really proud of them - they did a great job.

"They scored when we had more possession and had created chances - so how we bounced back was really good.