Sam Kerr and the Matildas make history by beating France in the longest penalty shootout in World Cup history, thanks to the heroics of Mackenzie Arnold and Cortnee Vine’s game-winning goal in Brisbane.
- A record 20 penalty kicks are needed to decide the winner
- Three key saves by Mackenzie Arnold for the win
- Matildas plays on Wednesday winner of Colombia vs England
The Matildas have made history by reaching the semifinals of a women’s World Cup for the first time after beating France (0-0) 7-6 on penalties in the longest penalty shootout in the history of the tournament.
Mackenzie Arnold made three saves before Cortnee Vine converted the winning penalty to seal the quarter-final victory in front of a screaming 49,461 fans at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium.
The Matildas will play either England or Colombia, who meet later on Saturday, in next Wednesday’s semi-final at Sydney’s Stadium Australia.
Sam Kerr’s reaction speaks volumes after the Matildas survived a record 20-shot penalty shootout to beat France and reach their first tournament semi-final.
After France’s Vicki Becho hit the post at 6-6, Vine coolly drilled her penalty into the bottom corner to send Suncorp Stadium into rapture.
Mackenzie Arnold made three saves and herself missed a penalty in the 20-penalty shootout.
That included denying Kenza Dali, who was ruled to have come off her line, only to later save the midfielder’s second try.
Caitlin Foord, Sam Kerr, Mary Fowler, Katrina Gorry, Tameka Yallop, Ellie Carpenter, and Vine converted their crosshair shots.
Steph Catley and Clare Hunt were turned away by France goalkeeper Solene Durand, who was substituted in the penalty shootout.
A dramatic 120 minutes followed in which both teams had chances to win.
Mackenzie Arnold (in black jersey) is overwhelmed by her teammates after Cortnee Vine’s shot gave Australia a sporting memory that will never be forgotten.
Tameka Yallop speeds up the crowd after scoring with her spot kick during the penalty shootout
Mackenzie Arnold put the team on his back during the shootout and then carried Sam Kerr as the shooter got loose during victory celebrations.
After the match, Sam Kerr said that the Matildas wanted to “change football in this country forever”, and that is exactly what they have done, regardless of what the rest of the tournament holds.
Kadidiatou Diani fired a warning shot in the eighth minute, Maelle Lakrar shot over the bar on 12 minutes, while Arnold also blocked Eugenie Le Sommer and Lakrar on 28 and 32 minutes.
But Fowler was denied by a heroic block from French right-back Elisa De Almedia in the 41st minute, and then by goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin four minutes later.
Kerr came on in the 55th minute and a minute later, she broke through and passed the ball to Hayley Raso, whose long-range shot was brilliantly denied by Peyraud-Magnin.
Neither team could find a chance from there and the game went into overtime.
France captain Wendie Renard headed in on 100 minutes, but the goal was disallowed when she was ruled to have fouled Caitlin Foord in the build-up.
Vine converted a difficult chance five minutes later, while Arnold made a great save to deny Vicki Becho in the 107th minute.
From there the rest was history.
After the game, Kerr said that the Matildas wanted to “change soccer in this country forever” by excelling at the World Cup.
Mission accomplished.
