History-making victory: Australia’s thrilling win sends them to first FIFA Women’s World Cup semifinals
Australia creates history in the FIFA Women’s World Cup by advancing to their first-ever semifinals, defeating France in a nail-biting penalty shootout. Read about Courtney Vine’s decisive penalty and the thrilling match that secured Australia’s spot in the last four.
Photo courtesy: IANS
As hosts Australia advanced to their first FIFA Women’s World Cup semifinals on Saturday by defeating France on penalties in a quarterfinal match, Courtney Vine landed the game-changing penalty.
The Matildas prevailed 7-6 on penalties after keeping the European powerhouses scoreless during regulation.
The Matildas became the first Australian team, male or female, to advance to the semifinals of a FIFA World Cup when Vine scored the winning spot in a nail-biting shootout.
Advertisement
Despite playing second-best for the whole of the game, France started out well and had a chance to take the lead after just 13 minutes. However, Maelle Lakrar failed to convert from inside the six-yard box, scooping the ball over from the smallest of distances.
When Australia’s Mary Fowler fired at an apparent open goal with custodian Pauline Peyraud-Magnin stranded and out of position, Les Bleues had an amazing escape late in the first half. But Elisa de Almeida saved the day for France with an outstanding goal-line clearance that sent the ball behind for a corner.
Despite Fowler’s great performance throughout, Peyraud-Magnin made a number of deft stops to keep the youngster out of the goal.
Ten minutes into the second half, Australia resorted to the seasoned Sam Kerr in search of a goal. The Matildas captain almost had an immediate effect by setting up Hayley Raso for a curling left-foot attempt that the France custodian saved.
When Alanna Kennedy headed a corner into her own net in overtime, the hosts’ hearts were in their mouths. The French celebrations, however, were abruptly cut short when referee Maria Carvajal yelled after spotting a shirt-tug by Wendie Renard while the ball was in the air.
The game proceeded to penalties after Australia’s Mackenzie Arnold made an incredible save to stop Vicki Becho.
Solene Durand had just been substituted in by Herve Renard when Steph Catley and Clare Hunt were both saved admirably by the keeper, who was making her maiden competitive debut.
Vine was able to step up and side-foot the Matildas into the final four after Vicki Becho hit the post, setting off raucous celebrations on the pitch and in the stands. But Arnold also displayed some heroism of her own.
Australia will compete against the winner of the game between England and Colombia in the semifinals.
-IANS