2023 World Cup: Australia beat France on penalties to reach semi-finals
The 2023 Women’s World Cup tournament co-hosts Australia knocked out France yesterday, in a dramatic, 20-spot kick shootout.
A goalless 120 minutes, saw the game go to penalties, where the Matildas won 7-6 at Brisbane Stadium.
Cortnee Vine scored the winning spot-kick for Australia after Vicki Becho had struck the post for France.
Australia keeper Mackenzie Arnold made four saves in the shoot-out – including twice from Kenza Dali, having moved off the line for the first stop, leading to a retake.
Arnold herself had the opportunity to score the winning penalty as the fifth taker for Australia, after saving from Eve Perisset, but struck the post.
But the Matildas marched on to reach their first-ever women’s world cup semi-finals, where they’ll face England who beat Colombia 2-1.
Australia will play England on 16 August at 11:00 BST – the winner of the game will progress to the final, where they’ll face either Sweden or Spain.
Despite having the backing of a home crowd, Australia could not find an opener in the 120 minutes of play.
Sam Kerr – Australia’s star player – appeared in the second half. It’s unknown if she’ll be fit enough to start against England. Kerr was sidelined at the beginning of the tournament after suffering a calf injury. However, she has come off the bench in the last two games for Australia.
It was a fairly evenly matched game, with both teams having the chance to score. Both teams went through periods of possession (France 51% and Australia 49%) France had more shots and shots on target but not by a mile.
Ultimately it seemed fair it would go to penalties. Australia will go into the semi-final match with home support and the knowledge they are the only team to have beaten England under Sarina Wiegman – ending the Lionesses‘ 30-game unbeaten run.