Australia finds themselves in unfamiliar territory after a thrilling penalty shootout victory over France in the World Cup quarterfinals, propelling them to the semifinals for the first time in history. The game remained deadlocked after 120 tense minutes of play, resulting in both teams missing three penalties each. However, Vicki Becho’s shot ricocheted off the post, giving Cortnee Vine the opportunity to secure the win for Australia. With nerves of steel, Vine successfully converted the seventh penalty, igniting delirium not only in Brisbane Stadium but throughout the entire nation.
Australia initially struggled to gain momentum in the game, as they were met with a well-organized French defense. In the opening 10 minutes, Laelle Lakrar had a golden opportunity to score for France, but Australia finished the first half on a strong note. Mary Fowler had a promising chance, but Elise de Almeida made a crucial goal-line block. Australia continued their momentum into the second half, with the introduction of Sam Kerr creating more opportunities for Fowler and Hayley Raso. However, the French defense held firm. France eventually regained their footing in the game, and captain Wendie Renard had a goal disallowed due to a foul in the build-up. The match eventually went into extra time, and with both teams fatigued, penalties became the inevitable outcome.
The penalty shootout was filled with drama, with several encroachments and numerous misses. However, Vine maintained her composure when Australia needed it most, securing the victory and prolonging Australia’s remarkable journey in their home World Cup.
One aspect that may come back to haunt Australia is their limited use of substitutions. Although they managed to escape the consequences in their match against France, coach Tony Gustavsson’s reluctance to make changes could potentially cost the team. It was evident that players like Hayley Raso and Caitlin Foord were exhausted and the midfield struggled to maintain possession. This lack of rotation proved to be detrimental in their loss to Nigeria. In contrast, France appeared to possess more energy as the game progressed due to their strategic use of substitutions. While the momentum and excitement of playing in a home World Cup is carrying Australia forward, it’s crucial to remember that they are human and may face the consequences of their limited squad rotation in the near future.
The penalty shootout was a tense affair, with a total of seven penalties missed by both teams. France faltered first, but Australia failed to capitalize as Steph Catley missed her penalty. Keeper Mackenzie Arnold had the chance to secure victory for her country but struck the post. She then made two incredible saves to deny Dali’s penalty, but Clare Hunt couldn’t seal the win. Finally, Cortnee Vine had the opportunity to make history after Vicki Becho hit the post with her penalty. With nerves of steel, Vine calmly tucked the ball away, sending Australia into euphoria.
The entire nation of Australia has been captivated by World Cup fever, with the Matildas’ journey to the quarterfinals drawing massive crowds, record TV viewership, and thousands of fans gathering at live event sites across the country. This match was no exception, with major Australian sporting events adjusting their schedules and broadcasting the game on large screens in stadiums due to its widespread popularity. Despite the nail-biting tension and drama, Australia’s magical run at the tournament continues to showcase the unifying power of football in the country. The next challenge awaits them in the potential semifinal clash against England in Sydney, which could be the biggest football match in Australian history.
It was an unbelievable and unforgettable moment as the Matildas emerged victorious in the penalty shootout. The celebrations erupted in Federation Square, capturing the immense joy and excitement of this historic win.
[Live updates from the 2023 World Cup]:
– Full-time: Australia prevails 7-6 in penalties.
– Cortnee Vine secures the win for Australia with a nerve-wracking penalty shootout. Co-hosts move on to the semifinals.
– Becho’s penalty hits the post, giving Australia the opportunity to clinch the victory.
– Durand saves Hunt’s penalty, extending the shootout.
– Dali’s penalty is saved by Arnold, but she steps off the line, and it needs to be retaken. Arnold saves again.
– Carpenter scores for Australia, hitting the post.
– Lakrar scores for France, leveling the shootout.
– Yallop scores for Australia, leveling the game once again.
– Karchaoui scores for France, forcing another sudden-death penalty.
– Katrina Gorry scores for Australia, keeping their hopes alive.
– Geyoro scores for France, equalizing the shootout.
– Arnold misses her penalty, hitting the post.
– Perriset misses for France, hitting the post.
– Mary Fowler scores emphatically for Australia, tying the shootout at 3-3.
– Le Sommer scores for France, regaining the lead.
– Sam Kerr scores for Australia, barely finding the back of the net.
– France captain Wendie Renard converts her penalty, reclaiming the lead for France.
– Steph Catley’s penalty is saved by Durand, costing Australia the advantage.
– Diani scores for France, leveling the shootout.
– Caitlin Foord scores the first penalty for the Matildas, giving Australia the lead.
– Bacha misses the first penalty for France, as Arnold makes a save.
– Penalties are about to begin, with France going first.
– Full-time: The game heads into penalties after a deadlock in regular time and extra time.
– Four minutes of added time due to stoppages.
– Substitutions made by France, including goalkeeper change.
– Bacha attacks…
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