Co-hosts Australia have beaten France in an incredible penalty shoot-out at Brisbane Stadium to reach the Women’s World Cup semi-finals for the first time.
The Matildas secured a win with a penalty shootout that ended 7-6 after a goalless 120 minutes.
An effort to score from Vicki Becho resulted in her ball striking the post for France as Cortnee Vine scored the winning spot-kick for Australia.
Interestingly, a total of four saves was made in the shoot-out by Australia keeper Mackenzie Arnold, including twice from Kenza Dali, having moved off the line for the first stop, leading to a retake.
Arnold herself had the opportunity to score the winning penalty as the fifth taker for Australia, after saving from Eve Perisset, but struck the post as nearly
But it is the hosts who march on, reaching their first ever Women’s World Cup semi-final.
The next match for Australia will be against England at Stadium Australia in Sydney 16 August.
