Australia is through to the FIFA Women’s World Cup semi finals for the first time after a penalty shootout thriller against France.
The quarter final in Brisbane on Saturday went to extra time, and still finished 0-0 as both sides somehow thwarted numerous quality shots on goal in what was a nailbiting seesaw.
And it was Aussie goakeeper Mackenzie Arnold who was the hero at the death, saving France’s first shot of the shootout and then stopping two more to lift the tournament hosts.
FOLLOW LIVE: Recap Australia’s incredible quarter final victory here
READ MORE: France ‘furious’ after Aussie star’s ugly act missed
GALLERY: ‘Full on’ reaction to simple Sam Kerr act
French goalie Solene Durand – who was brought on for her World Cup debut in the dying minutes of stoppage time specifically for the shootout – then stopped a Steph Catley shot to even it up.
When Eve Perisset shanked her kick into the post it seemed Australia was home, until Arnold stepped up to take the fifth shot and also missed.
“I feel a bit sick, to be honest,” former Matilda Amy Chapman said in commentary.
The teams went goal for goal until Arnold saved France’s seventh attempt, only for VAR to call it back as she stepped off the line.
Arnold then miraculously made her second save in as many attempts, handing the Matildas the edge.
Again, it seemed the Aussies would win until Clare Hunt’s shot was stopped by Durand.
France’s Vicki Becho provided one more twist when her shot hit the post, and Cortnee Vine this time slotted her shot to clinch the win.
It was the longest shootout in Women’s World Cup history.
Arnold was named player of the match., and coach Tony Gustavsson could barely speak over the noise of the 49,000-strong crowd in Brisbane.
Matilda avoids card for shirt pull
“I’m so freaking proud about this team, the bravery that they show tonight. Unbelievable,” Gustavsson told Optus Sport.
“Obviously I’m emotional now.
“Yeah, you know, I’ve won medals, but I said to the team before this game, it’s not about the medal around your neck. It’s about the heart beating on the back side of it and the heart that beat tonight in this team and in this country (was) unbelievable.”
Matildas v France in pictures: Sam Kerr celebrates epic shootout victory with girlfriend as Australia goes wild
Gustavsson was full of praise for his goalkeeper Arnold, who is the toast of the nation following her heroics in regular time and in the shootout.
“She was unbelievable for the whole whole game plus penalty shootout, the composure, the bravery,” he said.
“But then also to come back from that miss when she can be the hero of the country, and then to stay in the game and then come back and be the game changer. I’m so happy for her.”
