MADRID, 12 Ago. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Australian women’s soccer team beat the French 7-6 on penalties this Saturday, after their 0-0 draw in regulation time and in extra time, and thus qualified for the semifinals of the World Cup, which will be is contesting in Australia and New Zealand.
At Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium, both teams were very vigilant in defense from the start, conceding few chances to their opponents. With these wicks, the game headed into extra time, where France increased their offensive insistence and gave the ‘Matildas’ a scare following a corner kick in the 100th minute.
In the tumultuous jump inside the area, Alanna Kennedy unintentionally headed the ball into her goal, but the action was rendered ineffective due to Wendie Renard’s hold on her rival Caitlin Foord. The referee, María Belén Carvajal Peña, did not hesitate to call the foul, despite numerous French protests.
At 107′, France had another good goal chance in the boots of Vicki Becho, with a right-footed shot from outside the area that forced Mackenzie Arnold to show off. In the added time of the second half of extra time, Eugenie Le Sommer once again tested the skills of the ‘Aussie’ goalkeeper, with another strong right-footed shot that was deflected into a corner.
However, the marker remained still and the ticket for ‘semis’ was played on penalties. With chances for both teams to seal the win, they felt the pressure on every shot. On the French side, Selma Bacha (1st), Ève Périsset (5th), Kenza Dali (9th) and Vicki Becho (10th) failed, while in the ‘aussies’ ranks Stephanie Catley (2nd), goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold (5th) failed ) and Clare Hunt (9th).
Cortnee Vine solidly converted the tenth and final penalty for the co-hosts of this tournament, who also made football history for their country by reaching the ‘semis’. Never before had the ‘Matildas’ reached such a far round in the history of the World Cups.