West News Wire: Co-hosts Australia defeated France 7-6 on penalties to go to the Women’s World Cup’s last four for the first time after their quarterfinal match ended scoreless after extra time.
In the Saturday penalty shootout, Australia’s Mackenzie Arnold made three saves against France while also missing one of her own, but it was teenager Vicki Becho’s missed 12th attempt that gave the hosts the advantage.
When it came time to shoot the ball past Solene Durand into the bottom right corner of the net and advance the Matildas into a semifinal matchup against either England or Colombia on Wednesday, Cortnee Vine displayed steely nerves.
The substitute winger raced back towards the centre circle to celebrate with her teammates as the stadium and fan zones around the country exploded in delight.
Spain will play Sweden on Tuesday in Auckland for the other spot in the final.
France, who were looking to reach the semi-finals for the second time after 2011, had the better of the first half and extra time and will rue a few chances left out on the pitch as they head home.
Elisa de Almeida made an incredible block to save one of Australia’s forward Mary Fowler’s chances, and captain Sam Kerr, who was brought on as a replacement in the 55th minute, was unable to have a clear shot on goal.
Maelle Lakrar missed a fantastic chance to give Les Bleues the lead from a corner in the 12th minute as France controlled possession for the majority of the game and had the best of the early chances.
The only early opportunities for Australia came from set pieces against the flow of play, but Fowler had up to six as the game got going after halfway.
Elisa de Almeida made an incredible block to save one of Australia’s forward Mary Fowler’s chances, and captain Sam Kerr, who was brought on as a replacement in the 55th minute, was unable to have a clear shot on goal.
Maelle Lakrar missed a fantastic chance to give Les Bleues the lead from a corner in the 12th minute as France controlled possession for the majority of the game and had the best of the early chances.
The only early opportunities for Australia came from set pieces against the flow of play, but Fowler had up to six as the game got going after halfway.
In the 55th minute, Kerr joined the game to a thunderous applause, and her initial surge forward gave Hayley Raso room for a rasping finish.
With Becho firing a shot from the edge of the box in the 107th minute that custodian Arnold made a good save on, France had the best of the second half.
Her heroics in the shootout, where she twice stopped penalties from Kenza Dali, were only a prelude to that. Her first stop was disallowed because she stepped off the line before the shot was taken.
“I’m really incredibly proud. The bravery they displayed tonight is incredible, according to Australia coach Tony Gustavsson, who also hailed goalie Arnold as the “game changer” for her ability to believe in herself after missing a penalty shot.
I’m so happy for her.
