BRISBANE: In a breathtaking display of determination and drama, co-hosts Australia triumphed over France in a heart-stopping penalty shootout, securing a historic spot in the semi-finals of the Women’s World Cup. The exhilarating match unfolded on a tense evening in Brisbane on Saturday, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.
With the match deadlocked at 0-0 after an intense 120 minutes, the encounter was ultimately decided by a nail-biting penalty shootout that saw both teams take 10 spot-kicks each. The captivating showdown culminated in a stunning victory for Australia, as Cortnee Vine stepped up to fire home the winning penalty, igniting euphoria among the crowd and propelling the Matildas to uncharted territory in their World Cup journey.
Australia’s goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold emerged as a pivotal figure in the shootout, demonstrating both resilience and heroics. Arnold initially experienced disappointment when her own penalty hit the post, but she quickly rebounded by making crucial saves, particularly from Kenza Dali. The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) played a role in ensuring fair play, spotting that Dali had stepped off her line before saving her initial attempt.
The triumph was especially sweet for Vine, whose composed finish secured Australia’s passage to the semi-finals. The Matildas will now travel to Sydney for the next phase of their quest, where they will face the victors of the final quarter-final clash between England and Colombia.
Australia Coach Lauds Team’s Performance
Australia coach Tony Gustavsson commended his team’s unwavering bravery and performance, highlighting the exceptional display of determination that ultimately led to their historic victory. The player of the match, Mackenzie Arnold, shared her pride in the team’s accomplishment and acknowledged the need to quickly shift focus to the challenges ahead.
The match unfolded before a sold-out crowd of 49,461, with tension and excitement permeating the stadium. The French team fought valiantly and produced an exceptional performance, but the cruel twists of fate that define football ultimately favored Australia.
Herve Renard, the French coach, expressed his respect for Australia’s victory and the unpredictable nature of the sport. Despite an outstanding effort by Les Bleues, France’s World Cup dreams were dashed, marking the end of their journey in this tournament.
The co-hosts’ victory was a testament to their resilience and determination, prevailing even as star player Sam Kerr began the match on the bench. Kerr’s entry into the game injected renewed energy and momentum, contributing to the electric atmosphere that surrounded the stadium.
