Match Report
The CommBank Matildas are through to their first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup™ semi-final after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over France.
The teams could not be separated after 120 minutes. Despite multiple opportunities, it remained scoreless. A penalty shootout for the ages was required – including saves, re-takes, missed opportunities, drama. Substitute Cortnee Vine was the one who converted and Australia made history.
Coach Tony Gustavsson named an unchanged team from the one who defeated Denmark 2-0 in the Round of 16. That meant a 4-4-2 with Mary Fowler and Emily van Egmond reprising their roles as central strikers.
France came out of the blocks the stronger team. Kadidiatou Diani was everywhere, the striker making her presence felt early. There was a nervy moment early on when Alanna Kennedy scuffed a clearance, but she did just enough to put Diani off, and her shot was fired wide.
Maelle Lakrar – Herve Renard’s only change to his starting line-up from their win over Morocco – had a golden opportunity to score from a few metres after a second ball was put into the box from a corner, but the ball sailed over the crossbar.
