The City winger scored a crucial first half leveller for the Lionesses and delivered a player of the match display to help the reigning European champions edge out Colombia 2-1 in what was a classic quarter-final tie in Sydney.
Losing semi-finalists at the last two World Cups, England’s reward is a last four showdown against Australia who reached the semi-finals for the first time earlier on Saturday after a titanic 7-6 penalty shoot-out win over France.
Colombia, who had the majority of the support in Sydney, proved tough and testing opponents but once again Wiegman’s side found a way to win, with Hemp along with fellow City star Alex Greenwood both instrumental in victory.
“As a group we showed the team that we wanted to today and hopefully in a few days we’ll do that against Australia,” Hemp declared.
“We came out in the second half and were really relentless
“We’re all so excited. As a group we thrived off the number of Colombian fans at the game.
“It just makes it so much more exciting so for me I can’t wait to get going against Australia.
“It’s going to be a packed-out stadium with so many Australian fans.
“But we know if we play at our best, we are unstoppable so hopefully we’ll be able to bring that.”
In what proved an absorbing and high-quality encounter played out in front of more than 75,000 fans in Sydney, it was Colombia who struck first with Leicy Santos firing home a stunning 44th minute opener.
Inspired by Hemp, England responded in kind however and the City winger showed great determination and presence of mind to force home a crucial close range equaliser in first half injury time after Colombia keeper Catalina Perez had spilled the ball.
That set the stage for a titanic second half that was ultimately settled by Alessia Russo’s brilliant 63rd minute strike.
“It was really important to go in half-time level,” Hemp added.
“It was a scrappy goal, but we take any that we can. You’ve always got to be alert in the box, especially as a number nine.
“It was a proper striker’s finish.
“Alessia (Russo’s) strike was a great goal which was really important for us.
“I had full faith in Alessia, she does that every week in the WSL (Women’s Super League) and obviously she’s bringing it to the world stage now which is unbelievable to see.”
England will tackle Australia on Wednesday, August 16 at Stadium Australia in Sydney, kick-off 11.00am (BST).
The first semi-final will see Sweden tackle Spain on Tuesday, August 15, kick-off 9am (BST) in Auckland, New Zealand.
