Sarina Wiegman shows elite mentality with 'party' comments after Australia win - Analysis by Jack Otway

England Sarina Wiegman Australia

England boss Sarina Wiegman was thrilled after Australia Women's World Cup win

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Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 16/08/2023

- 15:37

Updated: 16/08/2023

- 15:40

The Lionesses will go up against Spain in the final of the Women's World Cup on Sunday

Sarina Wiegman is an elite manager. That's something that can't be denied after she guided England past Australia and into the final of the Women's World Cup.

But the 53-year-old knows the job isn't done yet.


England were too strong for Australia, winning 3-1 following goals from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo.

Though Sam Kerr was on target for the Matildas, the 29-year-old was unable to fire her side through.

England Lauren Hemp Women's World Cup Australia

Lauren Hemp put England 2-1 up in Australia Women's World Cup win

PA

It was a joyous occasion for England, with players and staff members celebrating wildly having overcome their toughest test so far.

And Wiegman has provided yet more proof of her elite mentality by saying that no partying will take place until the Lionesses bring the trophy home.

"I feel like at the moment, I really want to party but the job is not done yet!" she told talkSPORT.

"I am so happy with the big picture of how we have gone through this tournament and how we won this game.

"It was an incredible environment. 80-85,000 people behind Australia so, of course, it is going to be a tough game.

"They are a good team, they grew into the tournament, it is an away game for us but winning 3-1 is really incredible."

England have now won all six of their matches at the tournament to set up a blockbuster clash with Spain.

Haiti and Denmark were narrowly beaten in the group stages before a Lauren James masterclass helped the Lionesses thump China.

Nigeria were beaten via penalties in the round of 16, with Colombia then put to the sword on Saturday.

And England were superb against the Aussies, silencing the home crowd with a vintage performance to make the final.

England captain Millie Bright spoke out after the win and hailed the players she shares a dressing room with.

She stated: "The mentality of this group is something I have never seen before. That comes through Sarina and the belief she gives us.

"We can play so many ways - that is the beauty of this squad.

"Whatever an opponent throws at us we adapt and find a way to win. I'm really proud of the girls.

“I don’t know [what it means to make the final].

"It’s something we have wanted for so long. We had amazing success last summer but we’ve always known there is something missing and it’s always been the World Cup.

"To have that opportunity is incredible. Like Less [Alessia Russo] said before, the dream remains alive.

"Yet again we have found a way."

On the prospect of leading England out at a World Cup final, she continued: "It’s crazy. I'm keeping two feet on the ground.

"Just remain on task, focused. I don’t have any words for that.

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Sarina Wiegman England Women's World Cup

Sarina Wiegman is eager to win the Women's World Cup after England edged out Australia

PA

"To be saying we’re going to the final is crazy. Overwhelming, so many different emotions.

"I'm so happy that we could give the fans the dream back home and the fans here as well. To be leading them out will be absolutely incredible."

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