Australia made history as they reached their first-ever Women’s World Cup semi-final. It was a game that was full of excitement but one which kept fans on the edge of their seats.
France hoped to go one stage further after being knocked out at the quarters in 4 consecutive World Cups. Australia had a tough game on their hands if they wanted to reach their first WWC semi-final. Two teams ready for battle. Only one could win.
1️⃣5️⃣0️⃣ appearances for @EquipedeFranceF captain, @WRenard! 👏#BeyondGreatness | #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/ugoCQKvh8i
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) August 12, 2023
Wendy Renard made her 150th appearance for her national team. A proud moment to remember.
A quick start from France put the tillies under pressure. The first chance came in the 8th minute after a poor clearance from Alanna Kennedy allowed Diani to shoot which was dragged wide. France dominated in the opening minutes of the game with the closest chance coming from Lakrar.
Mary Fowler thought she put her team in front, but a superb goal-line clearance from French defender De Almeida kept the score 0-0.
𝐓𝐇𝐄 moment of the first half! 👏
Who will have the defining moment in the second half? 🔮#BeyondGreatness | #FIFAWWC
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) August 12, 2023
Both teams created chances in the first 45 but their defensive performances were incredible, and it remained goalless at halftime.
The Matildas started the second half strong, Fowler had another chance at goal, but she narrowly missed. An end-to-end game that could have seen either team score needed a special moment to change the game.
Australia made the first substitution just 10 minutes into the second 45. Emily Van Egmond was replaced by Aussie fan favourite, Sam Kerr. After suffering a calf injury before the first group game, Kerr is still yet to lead her team out in this world cup. The crowd were loud, hoping their star striker could break the deadlock, but still neither team could find the back of the net.
Approaching the final 20 minutes of the game France needed another option. Vicki Bècho came on for Sandie Toletti and her presence on the pitch was quickly felt by the Australian defence.
Despite a valiant effort from both sides to find a winning goal, 90 minutes were up, and extra time arrived. At this point, it was unclear who would make the semi-final and suspense filled the stadium. The atmosphere was tense. 49,461 fans watching from the stands.
France looked threatening from set pieces throughout the game, almost taking the lead after a header from a corner crossed the goal line. A foul on Caitlin Foord meant the goal was disallowed. The pressure was on, and it wasn’t long before Australia got another chance to score. Courtney Vine came straight into the action off the bench and almost squeezed the ball past the French goalkeeper Peyraud-Magnin. Once again, it drifted just wide.
Nerves were among the home crowd as France’s attacking threat homed in on the Australian defence. Makenzie Arnold made some great saves during the game, keeping their WC dreams alive.
VAR made its first appearance in the game checking for a penalty in favour of France which quickly came to nothing. A lucky escape for Australia.
With time running out and penalties in sight, France made a last-minute change, as goalkeeper Peyraud-Magnin made way for Durand. A tactical change ahead of penalties.
Peyraud-Magnin 🔁 Durand.
How big a moment will this prove to be? 🇫🇷#BeyondGreatness | #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/3aec629ZTo
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) August 12, 2023
Following an intense 120 minutes, the final whistle blew. Neither team were able to score meaning penalties decided who made it to the semi-final. It did not disappoint.
The crowd held their breath as Selma Bacha stepped up to take the first penalty. A huge save from Mackenzie Arnold meant the Aussies could take the lead. After 4 pens each, the score was level at 3-3. Périsset was denied by Arnold who then stepped up to take the next pen. A goal that would have sent the Matilda’s through was kept out by the post giving France another chance. More goals, crucial saves and a penalty retake brought lots of drama to this shootout.
The game ended on the 20th penalty when Courtnee Vine made the long walk from the halfway line to the penalty spot. Calm and composed, she fired the ball past Durand, securing the win for Australia. An amazing result for the Aussies but disappointing for France. Another quarter final ending in heartbreak.
Brick. Wall. 🧱🏆#Matildas #FIFAWWC #TilitsDone pic.twitter.com/XObcYwNqvg
— CommBank Matildas (@TheMatildas) August 12, 2023
Player of the match was Mackenzie Arnold who had an outstanding performance.
Australia now face England in the semi-final of the 2023 WWC.
