It was a dramatic day for the co-hosts of the 2023 Women’s World Cup, Australia, as they escaped France’s battle in the quarter-finals to qualify for their first semi-final in the history of the tournament.
After a goalless 120 minutes of action, France and Australia who the Super Falcons of Nigeria beat 3-2 in the tournament’s group stage, settled for a thrilling penalty shootout.
The quarter-final clash at the Brisbane Stadium recorded a massive 12 goals from the two teams via the penalty shootout.
Australia won 7-6 in the shootout that exceeded expectations with its dramatic turns. Cortnee Vine scored the game-winning penalty kick after Vicki Becho had hit the post for France.
Mackenzie Arnold of Australia made a total of four saves in the shootout, including two against Kenza Dali after the latter moved off the line for the first stop and necessitated a retake.
After Eve Perisset’s save, Arnold herself had an opportunity to give Australia the victory with a penalty kick as the fifth shooter, but she missed the post as the roughly 50,000 Australians in attendance felt every emotion imaginable.
Eventually, the hosts managed to push themselves through to their first-ever semifinal of a Women’s World Cup after the thrilling penalty shootout.
In the semi-finals on August 16, at 11:00, the co-hosts will take on either England or Colombia at Sydney’s Stadium Australia.
