Australia prepares for the World Cup semi-finals after a penalty shootout against France

The match was full of scoring chances during the quarter-final match between Australia and France. In the twelfth minute, French player May Lacrar missed a wonderful opportunity from close range, and the defender could not believe his eyes.

After a see-saw match, Australia also got into an excellent position to take the lead. A few minutes before the end of the first half, the ball reached Mary Fowler inside the penalty area, who only intended to put the ball into the open goal. But then Elisa de Almeida threw herself in front and blocked it into the corner.

Australia pressed harder in the second half and the home crowd cheered when big star Sam Kerr was substituted for the second match in a row.

Dramatic penalty decision

But after 90 minutes of play, the quarter-final match was still scoreless, and therefore it was expected to go to extra time.

Sure enough, France had the ball in the net in extra time, but the referee chose to disallow the goal due to a foul in Australia’s penalty area.

The match was thus decided on penalties, and it was there that Australia drew the longest straw – after many back-and-forth kicks.

It took ten penalty rounds before Courtney Vine sent Australia into the semi-finals.

-I’ve won medals before. But I told the team before the match that it’s not about the medals, it’s about the heart beating behind the medal. The heart that beats in this team, and this country, is unimaginable, says Tony Gustafsson.

“Very happy for her”

Someone who became a huge hero for Australia was goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold, who despite missing a penalty that could have sent Australia through to the semi-finals, made a sweat save to secure the win afterwards.

-Fashion. To return after that absence, where she could have been a national heroine. Stay in the match and come back and be a winner in the match. “I’m so happy for her,” Gustafson says.

In the semi-finals, Australia will face the winner of England and Colombia, in a match that starts at 12.30pm.