Match in Pictures: England 26-27 Samoa

Relive the action from a dramatic semi-final at the Emirates

12 Nov 2022

Match in Pictures: England 26-27 Samoa

Relive the action from a dramatic semi-final at the Emirates

By Josh Graham at Emirates Stadium

Stephen Crichton’s field goal in extra time broke English hearts and booked Samoa’s spot in their first ever Rugby League World Cup final against Australia.

Tim Lafai also crossed for two tries as the Pacific Islanders avenged their opening 60-6 defeat to the hosts in stunning style in North London.

Lafai and Ligi Sao went over either side of Elliott Whitehead’s score to give Matt Parish’s men a 10-6 lead at half-time.

Lafai added another after the break either side of two for Crichton as England made inroads through Tommy Makinson and Herbie Farnworth’s double.

Makinson’s conversion under enormous pressure sent the game to golden point and Crichton proved to be the matchwinner after sitting deep in the pocket to slot the one-pointer and stun the home crowd of 40,489.

Relive the action from North London with the best photos from the second semi-final.

Samoa's Tim Lafai opened the scoring in North London on the left edge. Getty Images

Elliott Whitehead finally got England's first score after several near misses. Getty Images

Salford star Tim Lafai wrapped up his double with a second try on the left edge. Getty Images

John Bateman's try under the sticks got the crowd out of their seats. Getty Images

Stephen Crichton's field goal won the game in stunning style. Getty Images

England captain Sam Tomkins cuts a dejected fixture as Samoa celebrate. Getty Images

Samoa pile on match-winner Stephen Crichton after the a jaw-dropping finale to the second semi-final. Getty Images

The Rugby League World Cup promises to be the biggest, best and most inclusive event in the sport’s 127-year history with men’s, women’s and wheelchair teams competing in 61 games across 21 venues throughout England. Tickets are available via rlwc2021.com/tickets