Summary
Thank you all for joining me tonight. That was pretty special.
Australia have made it through to a date with England or Colombia in Sydney on Wednesday. I’ll be back here for that, but until then, make sure you sign up to the Moving the Goalposts newsletter which will mean you won’t miss any of the fantastic content being produced by the Guardian’s team of writers at this World Cup.
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— Equipe de France Féminine (@equipedefranceF) August 12, 2023
Sam Kerr is talking to Channel 7 now.
We just kept saying “we cannot believe it”. We’ve grown up together all us girls.
On the shootout:
Weirdly it was super calm because we had such a process.
At which point, my television abruptly turns itself off. How rude. I get how it feels.
Australia could now be just 180 minutes of football away from a public holiday. Here’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese earlier today speaking to the media in Mount Isa (he was invited there by senator Bob Katter to celebrate the town’s 100th anniversary, apparently) and had this to say about the prospect of a national holiday should the Matildas lift the world cup.
Journalist:
You have talked about your desire to have a public holiday if the Matildas win, but small business says it is a bad idea and it will cost them. Do agree with their concerns?
Albanese:
Well, I do note that there were concerns expressed when we had the public holiday for the sad death of Queen Elizabeth II and some said that that was something that would cause economic disruption. What that did, of course, was lead to increased economic activity in a whole lot of businesses, particularly small businesses, and it actually benefited a whole range of those businesses.
Look, these decisions that are for state and territory governments, but the Matildas are inspiring an entire nation, is what it happening, and I certainly wish the Matildas all the best this afternoon at five o’clock at Suncorp.
THE MOMENT THE MATILDAS WON IN SYDNEY OLYMPIC PARK. UNREAL. UP THE DAMN TILLIES #matildas #TilitsDone #AUSFRA pic.twitter.com/eYcVWwBsTN
— Maddie Date (@maddie_date) August 12, 2023
“My greatest respect for Mackenzie. She must have been gutted after missing her shot to win the game, but then she goes back into the goalmouth to win the game her own way as keeper. Nerves of steel.” Absolutely, Tony Richardson, absolutely. Her game face never slipped at any point, and even in her postmatch interview she was matter-of-fact about it all, repeating that it’s her job to save penalties.
Mackenzie Arnold has had a few words with Channel 7 in Australia. Clutching the player of the match trophy, she is understandably chuffed.
Honestly, I couldn’t tell you what’s going on in my head. I’m just overwhelmed. I’m a proud Queenslander tonight for sure.
It’s gonna take me a couple of days to gather my thoughts and realise what’s just happened. Tomorrow we’ll review it and move onto the next game.
On her own penalty that struck the post:
Honestly, that’s the first time I knew I was going to take one… My team rallied around me after I missed and that’s what got us over the line.
After I missed obviously I wanted to keep the team in it and thankfully I was able to do it. At the end of the day, it’s my job.
“I was nervous for France with the change of goalkeeper and wanted her to do well but didn’t want the hosts to lose,” emails Anna Riijärvi. “This result was perfect: twice Durand kept France in the race but Australia won!” Durand definitely earned her selection and on another night would now be hailed as a heroine with Renard a tactical genius.
“What an amazing game, and shootout! Now I can go back to painting my boat in the French port of Auxonne. But with sympathy for my French neighbours on nearby boats, I’ll try to refrain from whistling Waltzing Matildas while I work,” enjoy your day Tony Richardson, are you painting it gold?
Jo Khan has somehow managed to distill all tonight’s drama into a match report within seconds of the final whistle.
LIMBS #Matildas #FIFAWWC #TilitsDone pic.twitter.com/FzGdrSZ9wk
— CommBank Matildas (@TheMatildas) August 12, 2023
cc: Elis James.
“No words can express my feelings. Tears in my eyes. Go you wonderful Matildas.” Harry Sachar’s been here for the long haul. Enjoy yourself.
“In tears. Greatest ever night for Australian football.” Michael Hayen’s thoughts surely repeated across the country.
From this incredible emotional high, Australia have just three days to get themselves back up for the semi-final. That is on Wednesday night at Sydney’s Stadium Australia against England or Colombia. Find out who the Matildas will face with Sarah Rendell.
Gorgeous scenes on the field with Tameka Yallop’s daughter, face painted, trotting around chased by Mary Fowler and Courtney Nevin. So unselfconsciously marvellous to watch.
Australia didn’t perform to the levels they’d shown against Canada or Denmark, but over the 120 minutes they had the clearest chances with Mary Fowler close to a hat-trick. But in the place of the skill of previous matches was plenty of guts. Gorry was relentless, Hunt and Kennedy superb at the heart of defence, and Arnold made it three clean sheets in a row – and five in six matches.
For the third World Cup in a row France depart at the quarter-final stage. Les Bleues enjoyed the better of the 120-minutes, especially the first half, then towards the end of extra time, but they failed to find a way beyond Mackenzie Arnold.
This World Cup had already achieved so much for football in Australia, but that moment will now go down in the long list of sporting greatness in this country, alongside Cathy Freeman’s 400m, Shane Warne’s ball of the century, and John Aloisi’s penalty. Absolutely extraordinary.
Caitlin Foord leaps into the arms of Mackenzie Arnold, the hero of the night. Then Australia’s players walk in a daze over to the dugout, disbelief on all faces. Nobody can quite comprehend what they’ve just been a part of.
What do you want me to say now? I’m spent. Delirium in Brisbane. 120-minutes of breathless see-sawing action. An agonising penalty shootout with both teams missing chances to ice it before Cortnee Vine finally did. What a moment for Australian football.
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Full-time: Australia 0-0 France (7-6 pens)
THE MATILDAS ARE IN THE WORLD CUP SEMI-FINAL!
GOAL! (Australia 7-6 France)
Cortnee Vine wins it for the Matildas!
Updated
MISS! (Australia 6-6 France)
Becho, who was so good off the bench, drags her effort against the base of the left-hand post.
Updated
SAVED! (Australia 6-6 France)
I don’t believe it. Thumping penalty from Hunt, Durand dives to her left and makes the strong save with her trail hand reaching back.
Hunt to win it…
SAVED! (Australia 6-6 France)
Surreal scenes in Brisbane as Dali is saved again! Arnold again guessing and diving to her left. Incredible from the Australian keeper.
RETAKE!
VAR adjudges Arnold was off her line and Dali gets another shot.
SAVED! (Australia 6-6 France)
Dali now…SAVED! Arnold dived miles away to her left and palmed the ball around the post!
Updated
GOAL! (Australia 6-6 France)
Oof! In off the post for the Lyon-based Australian. Carpenter was pumped with that.
Carpenter…
GOAL! (Australia 5-6 France)
Another beautiful spot kick, Lakrar waiting for Arnold to commit to the right and slotting the ball into the vacant centre of the goal.
Lakrar for France…
GOAL! (Australia 5-5 France)
Super super super composure. Yallop takes her time and passes the ball into the left corner with Durand falling to her right.
Yallop now to keep Australia in it…
GOAL! (Australia 4-5 France)
Karchaoui not messing around, speedily smashing a left-footed bullet high intot he roof of the net.
GOAL! (Australia 4-4 France)
Gorry just! Almost a repeat of the previous penalty with Durand getting plenty on her attempted save only to see the ball ricochet into the side of the net.
Gorry to keep Australia alive…
GOAL! (Australia 3-4 France)
Just! Geyoro does just enough to force the ball beyond Arnold, who got a decent palm onto the ball. Australia’s keeper wants a retake for a stalled run-up. Not happening.
Geyoro for France…
MISS! (Australia 3-3 France)
Arnold sidefoots against the left post! Agony for Australia. Onto sudden death.
Photograph: William West/AFP/Getty Images
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Incredible scenes in Brisbane. Now Arnold is taking the decisive shot herself!
SAVED! (Australia 3-3 France)
Arnold tips the shot onto the right post!
Perisset….
GOAL! (Australia 3-3 France)
Bosh! A hop, skip, and a jump for a run-up then a crisp wallop into the bottom corner. Fowler with an unstoppable shot.
Mary Fowler, Australia’s youngest player, up next.
GOAL! (Australia 2-3 France)
Cool as you like from the veteran, sending Arnold to the right and side-footing into the left corner.
Le Sommer…
GOAL! (Australia 2-2 France)
Not the best spot-kick but Kerr does enough to sidefoot the ball under Durand’s dive. It’s central, and with enough pace to wrongfoot the France keeper.
Updated
Up steps Sam Kerr…
GOAL! (Australia 1-2 France)
Renard makes it look easy. Again Arnold dives to her left and the French taker slots the ball to the right.
Updated
Can Wendie Renard put France in front?
SAVED! (Australia 1-1 France)
Australia’s specialist penalty taker side-foots to the right of Durand who reads it off the boot and makes a confident save!
Updated
Steph Catley for Australia…
GOAL!! (Australia 1-1 France)
Beautiful penalty, Diani sending Arnold to her left then rolling the ball into the right corner.
Diani for France…
GOAL!! (Australia 1-0 France)
Foord drills a low effort just beyond Durand’s dive and in off the right post.
Updated
Caitlin Foord for Australia…
SAVED! (Australia 0-0 France)
Arnold guessed the right way, dived to her right and saved Bacha’s effort comfortably!
Updated
Selma Bacha with the first penalty…
Kári Tulinius: “Unless I’m forgetting something, Solène Durand isn’t a penalty kicks specialist at all. With the caveat that Hervé Renard knows a lot more about football and his players than I do, I suspect he’s engaging in some mind games.”
A lifetime of practice, years of preparation, a month of football, and it all comes down to this.
Tony Gustavsson gets his players in a huddle and tries to gee-up his squad. His face full of animation as he clearly delivers messages of confidence and pride.
Both keepers study their notes. Sam Kerr and Wendie Renard isolate themselves, find referee Carvajal and toss the coin.
Full-time after extra-time: Australia 0-0 France
We’re going to a penalty shootout.
120+4 mins: There’s still time for France to break and find Le Sommer who turns inside then out at the retreating Australian defence and find a shot that Arnold has to parry behind for a corner.
120+3 mins: Catley swings over a deep cross, Kerr competes with Durand in the air – wins the header – but the ball goes out of play for a goal-kick.
120+2 mins: Australia look out on their feet, playing for penalties.
Here come the funky subs! Hervé Renard is bringing on his second-choice goalkeeper – Solene Durand for the penalty shootout. Eve Perisset also replaces de Almeida.
Updated
120+1 mins: Becho continues to impress, skipping inside Carpenter on the left, but her low right-footed shot is saved by the impressive Arnold.
120 mins: Catley’s corner is cleared. Four minutes of added time!
120 mins: Foord wins a corner on the left. Into the final seconds.
119 mins: We’re into the “who do you want on the pitch for the shootout” stage of proceedings.
117 mins: It’s all getting a ragged and desperate out there as passes miss their targets and bodies are hurled into contests. From one such passage Bacha has a sighter from 25m out but slices her effort well wide.
116 mins: Australia are enjoying a minute. Foord does well to deny France an easy out ball in the corner, then Catley finds Kerr with a cross. The first header is loopy, but Kerr follows up with a smart pass out wide to Carpenter. Her cross is dangerous to the near post but Renard is there just before Vine.
Updated
115 mins: Australia are exhausted. A chance to shift play on the edge of the box in attack becomes panic in defence as France swarm all over them. It takes a smart use of the body by Catley to win a free-kick.
A much-needed change for Australia in midfield with Yallop coming on for Cooney-Cross.
114 mins: France now camped in their attacking right corner with repeat t hrow-ins but Foord is again strong defensively to repel de Almeida. Once the clearance finally arrives Renard concedes a soft throw-in, clearly fearing the pace of the chasing Kerr.
113 mins: France are cutting though at will. Another ball to the presenting Le Sommer is held up well and fed to the right for Bacha. She runs with purpose into the box and goes down! But the referee, on the spot, adjudges Foord went shoulder-to-shoulder – and VAR agrees.
Updated
111 mins: There’s now a pause as Kennedy is assessed for a head knock. On the touchline Kyah Simon – who hasn’t be sighted at all this World Cup – is warming up ready to take a spot kick.
110 mins: CLOSE! Bacha again causes havoc down the left. Geyoro is there in support this time for the pullback. She gets to the byline and drives the ball across. Arnold gets a palm to it and pushes it to the top of the six yard box ready for a blue jersey to hammer home – but it’s the outstretched leg of Kennedy that gets there first! Chaos ensues but the Matildas do enough to keep France at bay.
Updated
109 mins: France are controlling midfield now with Australia’s structure stretched out of position. Balls are finding Becho, Diani and Le Sommer with regularity.
107 mins: SAVE! Bacha has room to run down the left. Her centring ball finds Diani but her shot is blocked. It falls to Becho who sends a shot arrowing towards the top corner until Arnold flies across to fingertip behind. Superb goalkeeping.
Updated
107 mins: Hunt does superbly to win the ball from Le Sommer and set Australia on the counter but France are well structured behind the ball.
106 mins: 15 minutes remaining before the agony of a penalty shootout.
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Half time in extra time. Still 0-0.
— CommBank Matildas (@TheMatildas) August 12, 2023
How are we feeling, Australia? #Matildas #FIFAWWC #TilitsDone pic.twitter.com/qcPbH0ZTCL
My fingers are sore and my posture has declined, thanks for asking.
Half-time Extra-time: Australia 0-0 France
Not for the want of trying, it’s still goalless in Brisbane.
105 mins: VINE! Gorry wins the turnover in midfield, heads first-time to Foord on the left. The substitute’s run to the near post is perfect – as is the cross – but the angle is too acute to divert the ball on target.
104 mins: Speaking of speed on the right, Becho forces Catley in to a desperate challenge at ground level.
103 mins: Australia could be in here. The French clearance out of defence falls to Catley who is quick to feed Fowler in the box. There’s space if the Australian can get the ball out of her feet, but she takes an age and eventually ends up being robbed in possession. A decisive striker could have made something out of that.
Meanwhile the speedy Vine replaces the speedy Raso on the right.
102 mins: France continue to push though and get to the byline on the left but the deep cross is too hot for Diani to handle. Australia on the ropes here.
GOAL DISALLOWED!
100 mins: The corner from the right is deflected into her own net by Alanna Kennedy! But the whistle blows almost immediately for Renard’s tug on Foord as bodies rose to contest the header. Excellent refereeing on the spot by Carvajal, with VAR not called upon to intervene.
Updated
99 mins: France link the passes neatly in midfield but the final ball through to Diani is overhit and Hunt sees the ball out for a goal-kick.
Following Gustavsson’s reluctance to go to his bench against Nigeria, he is inviting scrutiny by not using his squad again tonight as Becho, a France substitute who has made an impct, wins a corner.
98 mins: Australia haven’t done much with the ball since the final whistle. There is a distinct lack of pizzazz, despite Gorry’s boundless reserves of energy.
96 mins: A couple of emails have landed suggesting Australia have been overly physical tonight, and Gorry’s booking arrived too late. I confess, I haven’t seen things that way, but perhaps I am conditioned differently? Happy to hear your thoughts.
95 mins: This time a French head is first to a set-piece but de Almeida can’t find the target with a good leaping header from near the penalty spot.
94 mins: Another French player is down on the left wing, Bacha this time, after skipping past clubmate Carpenter who deflects her into touch. Another deep free-kick is dealt with by Australia’s central defensive sentinels, but the second ball is deflected out for a corner.
93 mins: Bacha’s delivery is dealt with in the air by Australia, then Fowler gets her body between the ball and the onrushing French raiders to win a free-kick.
92 mins: France linking up nicely in midfield with Karchaoui, Le Sommer and Dali. Gorry’s had enough and takes player and ball on the left wing – too much player according to the referee and she is shown a yellow card.
Tor Turner: “What a match! For me the saving of Australia has been containing Dali - one of the best players in the WSL with eight assists last season. She’s been closed down relentlessly and that’s been crucial.”
Updated
91 mins: The first period of extra-time is under way. Can we (i.e. me) avoid the torment of penalties?
I’ll just leave this here:
Both teams have given their all in pursuit of victory. France dominated the first half, Australia enjoyed the better of the second, Mary Fowler has failed to profit from all three of the game’s clearest chances.
Sam Kerr is now on for the Matildas and her presence has unsettled the French defence. More substitutes will surely be required by Tony Gustavsson to keep his side moving in the next half-hour.
Full-time: Australia 0-0 France
To extra-time we go.
90+3 mins: France keep coming though Dali, riding challenges through the middle of the park as bodies dive in. The cross is hooked over from the right but it’s out of reach of Diani – who then fouls trying to recapture possession.
90+2 mins: Becho does brilliantly on the right to roll Catley and earn time and space on the right of the box – but she can’t find a blue shirt in the box and Australia clear, then rush out to block Dali’s second effort, before winning an offside call.
90 mins: Four minutes of added time to be played. Along with very little at the end of the first, it goes to show how free-flowing this match has been. Can either side find a winner?
89 mins: Now Bacha belts an effort off target after Gorry gave possession away just outside Australia’s box. Fatigue and poor execution starting to creep in during these closing stages of the 90 minutes.
88 mins: Fowler twice finds Kerr with her back to goal, but on both occasions the skipper’s first touch is rusty and chances go begging. Australia do well to keep the ball alive though, especially through Cooney-Cross, until Carpenter lashes a wild and wayward effort miles off target. Poor decision.
87 mins: Cooney-Cross whips it in, Peyraud-Magnin punches – but only as far as Fowler – but her snapshot is blocked off the boot.
86 mins: Catley goes long and hopeful down the left, Fowler makes a half-hearted chase, but enough to worry Lakrar into conceding a soft corner.
84 mins: The Matildas go long from the keeper, Kerr wins the flick on, but Foord is outpaced by Karchaoui, who goes down in pain as the Arsenal forward commits herself to winning the ball. A rare break in play in what has been a frenetic match. Chance for both coaches to pass on some instructions.
Updated
83 mins: Bacha then leads the counter through the middle, looking for de Almeida on the right. The first ball is repelled but after Geyoro is first to broken play she can find de Almeida but the cross is once again easy for Arnold.
82 mins: Kennedy joins the attack to flick on a long Carpenter throw, but France are alert to the crumbs and hack clear.
80 mins: Dali concedes a foul by going through the back of Gorry, but she soon makes amend, securing the turnover in midfield and freeing Becho on the left. The substitute’s cross is straight at Arnold.
78 mins: Bacha fizzes over another cross but it’s headed clear. Kennedy deals with the second ball, but Carpenter is caught in possession coming out of defence – not once, but twice! The Matildas survive, release Kerr, who dumps Karchaoui shoulder-to-shoulder on the spin, heads towards goal and whips over a tempting ball to… nobody. Raso keeps it alive on the left and soon Foord is down in the box under pressure from Renard, but there’s no serious thoughts of a penalty.
77 mins: Tempers are starting to fray on the touchline and on the pitch as this match wears on. It is a match that France are increasingly gaining a foothold in after resisting Australia’s surge after half-time and the introduction of Sam Kerr.
76 mins: Bacha takes the set-piece and despite Lakrar’s athletic leap, it results in a goal-kick for Arnold.
75 mins: France clear long from the goal-kick and Le Sommer wears a Gorry boot to her nose on halfway. There’s claret. France continue though and win a corner on the right.
Updated
74 mins: Good pressing from France to force a turnover on halfway, but Australia soon win the ball back, find Fowler, and she opens play with a switch to Foord on the left. Catley offers the underlap run but there’s too much weight in the pass and the byline wins out.
72 mins: France come again, this time with a dinked ball over the top for Diani but her pull-back is blocked off the boot. She wants a penalty, but nothing doing, despite the ball clipping Hunt’s hand from point-blank range.
71 mins: Becho has done well since her introduction and she causes problems down the right, whipping in a cross that Le Sommer does well at the near post to keep alive before Kennedy sticks out a long limb to clear.
70 mins: It’s still fast and furious in Brisbane with Australia defending high up the pitch and inviting France to come at them and win the ball in one-on-one duels. It’s high-risk high-reward stuff from Gustavsson, but it’s a big improvement since the opening half.
68 mins: Arnold punches the corner well clear, then Hunt thumps away the second ball – to Cooney-Cross, who runs 30m under intense pressure before offloading to Carpenter, somehow popping up on the left wing. She almost slaloms inside a la Foord, but Becho makes a well-timed block.
67 mins: But France keep doing just enough to prevent a landslide of momentum. Becho is the latest to keep her side on an even footing, pressuring Catley into a foul near the touchline. The resulting free-kick is launched deep and headed behind for a corner.
66 mins: The energy is all Australia’s with the Matildas looking to set the tempo. They have raised their intensity since the break and with Kerr, Cooney-Cross, and Raso buzzing they almost free Carpenter down the right.
65 mins: Foord makes that trademark run in from the left but de Almeida does well just as she reaches the penalty area.
64 mins: France make a change with 19-year-old Becho coming on for Toletti.
Updated
63 mins: It has been a hectic start to this second half. Australia are doing all they can to force a goal. France are not shutting up shop though, playing their way out and earning a dangerous free-kick on the right that Bacha swings over. The Matildas do well to fight for every scrap and clear their lines.
61 mins: Still the Matildas come, keeping the ball alive outside the box and sending in dangerous crosses that are causing mayhem in the France defence. Australia have to settle for a corner.
60 mins: FOLWER YET AGAIN! Kerr sucks players into her orbit like the sun. The ball breaks for Carpenter on the right to cross. The headed clearance is only as far as Fowler on the penalty spot, but her crisp left-footed effort is straight at Peyraud-Magnin. A metre either side and that’s a goal.
Updated
58 mins: Hervé Renard is giving full-throated instructions from the technical area. he can sense how this match is starting to unfold. He will also not fancy his central defensive pair against Kerr for this final half-hour.
56 mins: … and Kerr is straight into the action, leading a transitional move downfield. The ball is played from left to right, Raso steps inside and smashes a fierce drive with her left foot that forces Peyraud-Magnin into a flying save high to her right. That was a super strike. Australia make little of the resulting corner but keep the ball alive outside the box and fashion a cross for Kennedy to glance over.
The crowd is belatedly into this contest now that Kerr has come on. The Matildas have the bit between their teeth and 50,000 fans urging them on.
Updated
55 mins: Bacha does brilliantly on the right and digs out a deep cross to the far post with her left foot that Le Sommer shows great desperation to get onto the end of, but she can’t direct her effort on target under pressure from Carpenter.
On comes Kerr for van Egmond.
Updated
54 mins: France get another spell in dangerous territory with Dali probing, but after offloading to Karchaoui the latter’s final ball is poor. Still, France have stabilised after Australia’s early burst.
52 mins: This is a different match to the opening 45. Australia are now suddenly the aggressors, pushing out of defence and intercepting in midfield, freeing runners left and right. Of course, that means France can play on the turnover, which they do with Diani running dangerously into the box until Hunt concedes a corner. Dali’s right-footed in-swinging set-piece is allowed to curl harmlessly long and out into touch.
PSA: Sam Kerr is coming on shortly.
50 mins: FOWLER AGAIN! Peyraud-Magnin has not looked comfortable all night and this time she fluffs a clearance under pressure from Raso straight to Fowler on the edge of the box. The Australian No 11 takes a touch one way, then the other, leaving defenders on the floor, but by the time she gets a shot away it’s deflected behind. She had options left and right and will be disappointed not to have made more of that opportunity.
Updated
49 mins: Good ball movement from Australia down the right but Karchaoui intercepts smartly as momentum was building. This is much brighter from the Matildas, keeping the ball alive in challenging situations and moving the French defence around.
47 mins: Allana Kennedy is lining up a shot, marking out her run-up a la Jonny Wilkinson… and she drills her effort straight into the wall. France then defend the ball in from the right after Raso picked up the pieces. Still Australia come though with Catley fed in down the left by Gorry. The Matildas on the front foot early.
46 mins: The sunshine of the opening half has given way to a floodlit second half, and Mary Fowler is immediately on the attack, drawing a free-kick on the edge of the France box.
The teams are back out after half-time. I received some correspondence during the first half asking about why Australia are wearing black armbands. It is due to the passing of a partner of one of the players’ fathers. Out of privacy for the family, they have not released a name.
“Though I agree that Australia probably have more to fix, the French centre-backs seem oddly nervy. Hervé Renard is looking unhappy on the sideline. I wonder if he has one of his trademark halftime speeches prepared.” Thanks Kári Tulinius, this is a superb video. Who’d be a translator?
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Half-time: Australia 0-0 France
France have bossed the half but Australia – and Mary Fowler specifically – have had the two best opportunities. Goalless at the break.
Updated
45 mins: FOWLER AGAIN! This time Peyraud-Magnin rushes from her goal superbly to smother the chance at the feet of the Australian after she was played through magnificently by Gorry with a delightful floated pass. Fowler had the time to take a touch and fire a shot away but Peyraud-Magnin was swiftly off her line.
Updated
43 mins: That’s up there with the all-time great goal-line clearances. Absolutely incredible from de Almeida.
41 mins: WHAT A SAVE! FOWLER HAS TO SCORE but de Almeida somehow manages to deflect a shot from point-blank range over the bar off her left thigh. Miraculous stuff. That was the product of calamitous defending from France to begin with after Renard had dealt with Raso’s dart down the right. Peyraud-Magnin failed to collect the ball as she and Karchaoui looked at each other in disbelief. Van Egmond stole in, pulled the ball back for Fowler with an open goal, only for her well-struck snapshot to find the extraordinary de Almeida block. Wow.
Updated
39 mins: Australia need to a major rethink. Foord does well to win the ball near halfway but after turning and facing forward she only has Van Egmond to play the ball towards, and the veteran is easily hurried off the ball by Karchaoui almost as soon as she accepts possession. The Matildas have no structure or pattern of play when they get a rare touch of the ball.
38 mins: Bacha with a dangerous cross from the left but Diani is well covered in the box. Cooney-Cross makes a hash of the second clearance and is relieved when Karchaoui carves a left-footed effort miles wide.
37 mins: Blue jerseys are now squeezing high up the field, penning Australia in their left corner, but that means there’s space on the counter if they can escape – which Foord does. Suddenly the decibels raise in Brisbane Stadium as the ball reaches the France box, but it’s all a bit scrappy after Foord’s ball to Raso is blocked and defenders are soon on hand to douse the flames.
35 mins: Not for the first time tonight Karchaoui goes down in contact with Raso. France want a yellow card to go with Raso’s yellow ribbons but none is forthcoming. She is a magnet for conflict the Australia winger. Bacha floats the free-kick into Australia’s box but it’s headed clear – only as far as Dali – but despite adopting a Zidane v Leverkusen technique, she can’t keep the ball from sailing over the crossbar.
Updated
33 mins: France will be disappointed now if they fail to convert their first-half dominance into a goal.
31 mins: Still the turnovers come. This time Gorry losing out to Toletti who storms through the right-hand channel before France earn a corner. Bacha curls it over, Arnold double-fists clear but the ball’s soon back in the danger zone and Lakrar is again on the spot to hook an effort goalwards – but Arnold is equal to it. Another France corner, and this time Renard heads wide.
30 mins: After a structured 26 minutes, the match has burst into life with the ball heading in both directions at speed. For the first time in the past couple of matches Australia look like they’re missing a target in Sam Kerr. Neither Foord nor Fowler has shown the strength to accept the ball under pressure in central areas allowing France to turn defence into attack at a stroke.
28 mins: It’s all got very transitional all of a sudden with Gorry losing possession in midfield allowing Diani to showcase her superb control, but Australia recover and force Peyraud-Magnin into action with Raso bursting into open space down the right. Danger averted, France get another chance, Le Sommer making that same determined run from deep towards Hunt and Kennedy, with both backing off until the veteran peels off a shot that Arnold has to dive low to her right to parry away.
27 mins: From 40m out Catley curls the set-piece over, Peyraud-Magnin punches and gets just enough on it to clear. She hasn’t looked authoritative so far in the French goal.
26 mins: France again concede possession coming out of defence, Lakrar this time, allowing Gorry to move forward, but her dinked ball to Foord is headed clear by the dominant Renard, stooping over her opponent with serious presence. But with the ball then in dispute Australia earn a free-kick.
24 mins: It’s a vicious delivery that causes mayhem in the France six-yard box. Renard does superbly twice to parry a bouncing ball then head the second effort towards the edge of her box. There’s still trouble but there are enough blue jerseys to smuggle the ball away. Australia’s brightest moment so far.
23 mins: France try to play their way out of defence but Toletti passes the ball out of play. From the throw-in Van Egmond wins a corner – Australia’s first. Catley will sling over a left-footed in-swinger.
22 mins: Better from the Matildas with Fowler accepting the ball at her feet with her back to goal on halfway. She releases Foord down the left who finds Gorry inside., but Renard is too strong and smart for France.
21 mins: Australia continue to offer absolutely nothing on the ball. Time is running out for that vital early goal.
20 mins: Not for long though with Le Sommer – not for the first time tonight – dropping into the No 10 space and carrying the ball between the lines. She pushes it out to the right and darts into the box for the resulting cross but the Matildas clear the first ball then benefit from a handball.
19 mins: France are defending in a mid-block, happy to allow Australia’s back four as much of the ball as they like, then stepping up purposefully as soon as the ball is played forward. It works a treat in the 18th minute but after breaking up play in their attacking half Toletti concedes a cheap foul on the right and Australia clear.
17 mins: Australia defend the resulting free-kick and find Fowler in transition, but she opts to retain possession instead of her now trademark spin and through-ball to Foord.
15 mins: Now the intensity comes! First Raso smashes into Karchaoui on the right (quickly protesting her innocence) then Gorry plants a reducer on Geyoro. The referee’s whistle blows for one of those indiscretions but it might be the spark Australia need.
14 mins: Finally the Matildas get some joy down the left with Van Egmond and Foord linking up well, but France, alert to the Arsenal forward’s danger, are soon all over her, smuggling the ball out of touch.
12 mins: France must score! But they don’t. Bacha’s second corner isn’t headed clear, Le Sommer drives a shot in from near the penalty spot and it scuffs through to Lakrar who somehow contrives to side-foot over the bar from two metres out!
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12 mins: France with the first corner of the night, over on their right, Bacha to take a left-footed in-swinger. Van Egmond heads it clear but the second ball in by Karchaoui is dangerous and forces Catley to concede another corner.
10 mins: Australia are still failing to link play through midfield. France have the upper hand early on, the more composed on the ball and matching the Matildas for physicality.
Perhaps it’s time for another tactical time out? It worked against Denmark with Catley going down injured, this time it’s Cooney-Cross clutching her left Achilles after being caught in a tackle.
8 mins: Chance! Alanna Kennedy gets very very lucky. She shanks a clearance awfully towards her own goal, then she tries to haul down Diani who is through on goal but the French striker maintains her footing and strikes low and wide of the far post. I fancy that if the No 11 went to ground Kennedy could have been off.
7 mins: This is not the high-intensity quick tempo Australia we saw against Canada or Denmark. The Matildas have yet to string any passes together, gaining ground only briefly through the hustling of Raso down the right.
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6 mins: France continue to direct traffic down the left with Karchaoui this time overlapping smartly but crossing tamely into the waiting palms of Arnold.
5 mins: Australia’s first attack comes from a throw on the right and ends with Gorry lobbing a garryowen to the far post where Foord is unable to connect despite Peyraud-Magnin flapping at the high ball.
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4 mins: Much like we saw in Melbourne a month ago, France are looking to stroke the ball around calmly along their back four, waiting for Wendie Renard to pick a pass further forward. Australia’s press is not high, preferring at the moment to allow France the ball in innocuous parts of the field.
2 mins: Unperturbed, France settle quickly and immediately look to exploit the space vacated by the marauding Carpenter. Diani angles her run in behind to accept possession but Hunt is well placed to head away the resulting cross.
1 min: Eugenie Le Sommer gets us under way, but after rolling the ball back to midfield Emily van Egmond hustles through and charges down the first attempted long pass. Tempo set by the team in gold.
Kick-off!
Spain and Sweden are already there, but who will join them in the 2023 Women’s World Cup semi-finals?
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What a sight. Brisbane Stadium full. The evening light filtering through the gaps in the stands blessing everyone with a warm sunlit glow. For Australian football this is as close to perfect as it’s ever been.
And here they come, out into the sunshine, the two sets of players taking their places for the national anthems.
From the frenzied atmosphere in the stands, to the pensive looks on the faces of the players as they wait in the tunnel.
Time for the Welcome to Country, this time featuring a multilingual rendition of Waltzing Matilda, with didgeridoo accompaniment.
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“Watching the game from a boat on the River Saone in France,” emails a conflicted Tony Richardson. “Somewhat mixed emotions. Definitely cheering for the Matildas, but if by some chance they lose then I will support France to go all the way. Staying away from any cafes/bars this morning since the French are also taking the Women’s World Cup very seriously!”
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What do we need to pay attention to tactically?
1. Quick v Slow. A feature of the warm-up clash in Melbourne was how France wanted to control possession, often at a slow tempo, while Australia were eager to exploit their pace on the counterattack, especially with long angled balls out of defence. Since then, Gustavsson has tweaked the Matildas to good effect. The long passes have reduced in number, in favour of a high-energy, high-pressing game, with a focus on rapid attacking transitions – exploiting the quality on the ball of Mary Fowler. The speed of Cortnee Vine has been replaced by the nous of Emily van Egmond, and Australia look an altogether more rounded proposition.
2. Selma Bacha v Ellie Carpenter. The battle of the Lyon teammates will be a game within the game. In Melbourne France prioritised their left wing with the goal of exploiting Bacha’s quality one-on-one against Carpenter. This was understandable as the latter had only recently returned from long-term injury. It also makes sense to make Carpenter accountable because she is so fond of bombing forward and underlapping Hayley Raso to add an extra body to Australia’s attacks.
3. Vital opening half-hour. France have looked imperious in their past three matches – having scored early (one-up against Morocco after 15 mins, Panama 28 mins, Brazil 17) – but they failed to find the back of the net in their two fixtures before that and looked comparatively toothless. The same can be said of Australia, who scored after just nine minutes against Canada, and 29 against Denmark, while looking like they were playing through treacle against Ireland and Nigeria after failing to find an early settler. The opening half-hour will be frenetic and may well determine the outcome of the rest of the night.
A feature of Australia’s hosting of the World Cup has been the respect paid to the players that came before the current crop of Matildas, the ones that put in the hard yards for much less acclaim. For former internationals like Joey Peters, this is what all their effort has been building towards.
I feel it in my bones: it’s not over yet, it’s not meant to end. This is the moment Matildas alumni have been waiting for and I know the current Matildas will feel the same. They have had a decade together, an incredible generation, and for some of them it will be their last chance to go further then we have ever before: to a World Cup semi-final.
Sam Kerr gets some crowd love. (sound on) Still just assisting in the team’s warmup as per last match. pic.twitter.com/UFNeMxulXD
— Jack Snape (@jacksongs) August 12, 2023
Chris Paraskevas has been with us for the whole Matildas journey, and he’s optimistic as we countdown to kick-off. “If the Matildas get through tonight, I reckon they’ll go all the way and win the whole thing. France are tricky though, possessing both pace and power. The good news is: I met a FIFA official at a bar the other night and I think I left a good impression on her as an Australia fan (I wasn’t even that drunk).”
If you’re just tuning in, welcome, we’re under half-an-hour to kick-of in Brisbane. Over to Kieran Pender to set the scene.
Australia readies itself for arguably the most important match in Matildas’ history – a quarter-final on home soil.
But…
France bring lethal attacking threat. Striker Eugénie Le Sommer has scored three goals so far in Australia; Selma Bacha has recovered from a knock suffered in the friendly to find devastating form. Kadidiatou Diani nabbed three against Panama and another in the last 16 clash with Morocco.
PSA for any Albanian subscribers: “Good morning from Albania,” emails Zach Biggin. “Have found a sports bar in Tirana open at 8am this morning that can play the match. Definitely a different atmosphere than that back home in Melbourne I’m sure, but feeling excited! If any Australians (or I suppose French) in Tirana are looking for the game then come on down to Duff Sports Bar!”
Tonight’s referee is María Carvajal from Chile. She was in charge of France’s group clash against Jamaica, showing a late red card to Khadija Shaw.
Conditions: You know what they say about Queensland – perfect one day, beautiful the next. The wintry conditions of New Zealand and Melbourne have been banished in Brisbane. It’s been a clear warm and sunny day with temperatures in the mid 20s for most of the afternoon. Those numbers will dip as night draws in, but for perhaps the first time this tournament we have that familiar summer World Cup vibe.
Ready for Australia v France Quarter Final #Matildas #lesbleus pic.twitter.com/ABFMsujcAt
— Matthew Oliver (@MatthewOliver87) August 12, 2023
This has been such an even tournament, and at this late stage you could mount a case for any of the remaining six sides lifting the trophy. The Team Guardian hive mind reckons whoever wins today become World Cup favourites.
“Any chance of telling the Channel 7 helicopter to stop buzzing over Paddington neighbourhood?” emails Fran. “The noise is intrusive, unneighbourly and maddening, and has been going on for hours! We feel driven crazy by the noise which is trashing our right to peace and privacy in our own homes.”
Fran’s email arrived just as Channel 7 were rhapsodising over said chopper, with John Aloisi commenting: “I love it. It shows that the world wants to see what the Matildas are doing. Is Sam Kerr getting on? That’s always a big question of late. But it just shows that we’re becoming a football nation, just like Brazil, and I love seeing these scenes.”
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Jack Snape is on the spot. And that spot looks very good indeed.
Different warm up setups between Australia (left) and France. Tbh France does look a little bit more inviting. #matildas pic.twitter.com/ZtbiEhagvt
— Jack Snape (@jacksongs) August 12, 2023
Again Sam Kerr looks to be warming up separately. pic.twitter.com/4zgBdVE9HL
— Jack Snape (@jacksongs) August 12, 2023
“So Sam kept for when a change is needed. Lets hope that change doesn’t come too late,” worries Crawf9. “The French have the better manager and that could just be enough.”
Hervé Renard has done extremely well since taking over, stabilising a rocky French camp. And we know from his time in men’s football he is something of a World Cup specialist. He would also do a decent job as Ken’s dad if there’s ever a Barbie 2.
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France XI
Just one change for France with Maëlle Larkrar returning at right-back after nursing an injury against Morocco. Ève Périsset makes way.
Nos 1⃣1⃣ Bleues qui donneront tout pour rejoindre les demi-finales ⚔️👊
— Equipe de France Féminine (@equipedefranceF) August 12, 2023
Coup d'envoi à 9h sur @france2tv 📺
🇦🇺🇫🇷 | #AUSFRA | #FiersdetreBleues pic.twitter.com/oW73QUoYvW
Jack Snape has picked out four French players to keep an eye on this evening.
Diani, 28, is at the peak of her powers, having been named top scorer in the 22-game French league with 17 goals and earning the player of the year award. Her unmistakable braids have been coloured blue for the tournament, to match Les Bleues’ shirts. And her form has been red-hot, with four goals at the tournament so far, including a hat-trick in the 6-3 win over Panama.
I’ve only been at Melbourne games so far this tournament so it’s hard to compare the atmosphere but this certainly seems the loudest and busiest it has been an hour before the game. Former Wiggle Emma Watkins is even here, further delighting fans!
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Get to know more about France and their preparations with Eric Devin.
France have reached at least the quarter-finals of the past three World Cups and will aim to get as far in this edition. The veteran players are keenly aware this may be their last chance at silverware
Onto France, starting with Kenza Dali, playing down the significance of the pre-tournament friendly defeat to the Matildas.
When we played this game, we were still in preparation, even Australia. It’s going to be a completely different game on Saturday night.
Today’s colours are as follows:
Australia – gold jerseys, green shorts, white socks.
🇦🇺 🤜🤛 🇫🇷#Matildas #FIFAWWC #TilitsDone pic.twitter.com/CkNC6CPNpJ
— CommBank Matildas (@TheMatildas) August 12, 2023
France – triple bleu.
Tout est prêt pour l'arrivée des Bleues🆗👌
— Equipe de France Féminine (@equipedefranceF) August 12, 2023
🇦🇺🇫🇷 | #AUSFRA | #FiersdetreBleues pic.twitter.com/J22ZJAEwQT
Also, in Sam Kerr’s absence Caitlin Foord has stepped up. Player of the match against Denmark, her ability to float in that left-hand channel and cut in on her right foot has become a feature of Australia’s pattern of play, especially in transition with Mary Fowler dropping deep from her false nine starting point.
We will never know how this World Cup might have transpired had Kerr not injured her left calf in training on the eve of the tournament. But in her absence, Foord has risen to the challenge. The attacking dynamo has put the nation on her shoulders and, for all the speculation around Kerr’s calf, helped take Australia to the last eight at this home World Cup largely without Kerr.
Personally, I think keeping Kerr on the bench for the time being is the smart play. The XI selected have performed superbly in the past two matches, and nobody deserves to lose their place.
Kieran Pender put himself in Gustavsson’s shoes a few days ago.
Why fix what isn’t broken? That will be the question for Gustavsson and his coaching team as they prepare for the quarter-final against France on Saturday afternoon. But with the stakes even higher, can the Matildas afford to leave their best player, among the best strikers in the world, on the bench in a World Cup quarter-final.
Now we know the starting XI, we can assume Sam Kerr is not fit to play the full 90 minutes. After a ten minute cameo against Denmark, how much more action will she see tonight?
Here’s Tony Gustavsson earlier this week:
If Sam is fit to play 90 minutes, she’s starting. There’s not even a question, and the team knows it. We’re talking about Sam Kerr here. Whether she is ready to play 90 minutes plus extra time, that’s to be decided tonight. But there is no question whatsoever that if she is, she’s starting.
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Today’s clash is being screened at Rod Laver Arena for anyone in Melbourne looking for the big match atmosphere a few hundred miles away from Queensland. Dan Steadman is already there.
It's bloody great to see so many people waiting in the rain outside Rod Laver Arena united by Australia's love for the Matildas and Melbourne's love for a black puffer jacket. pic.twitter.com/fGvfQ6qrmC
— Dan Steadman (@dan_steadman) August 12, 2023
Hundreds of Matildas supporters (and a few French) are making their way down Caxton Street in Brisbane towards Suncorp Stadium. The Matildas Active group are leading the charge with chants and drums.
Caxton St is heaving. #Matildas pic.twitter.com/9R4xhCViZm
— Jack Snape (@jacksongs) August 12, 2023
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Australia XI
The news everybody has been waiting for… Sam Kerr remains on the bench. It’s an unchanged Matildas XI.
STARTING XI 🗒
— CommBank Matildas (@TheMatildas) August 12, 2023
We’re unchanged for tonight’s #FIFAWWC Quarter-Final clash against France!
⏰: 5:00pm AEST
📺💻📱: @Channel7 & @OptusSport#Matildas #TilitsDone pic.twitter.com/oK1rZuflwc
Mark Hurst is just waking up in a tent in Austria. “Morning from Melk, where we’re hoping to find strong enough Wi-Fi somewhere to stream the game. Our daughter, Eva, has been awake since 5am and is a bundle of nervous energy. She’s had her Matildas jumper on for every match. Go the Matildas!”
Godspeed Mark. I’m not a tent guy. Especially with kids. I hope, along with the strong wifi, you find some strong coffee.
Our first emailer of the day comes to us with divided loyalties. “Am a retired US Ambassador aboard a French flagged vessel off the Kimberly Coast in Australia - ready for the match!”
That’s right, we have chargé d’affaires tuning in from international waters. John Hennessey-Niland there, former US Ambassador to Palau, 35-year top-level diplomat, and registered FIFA coach. May the waters be still for the next few hours John.
The Matildas are feeling the love in Brisbane.
Feeling the love around Brissy! 💚💛#Matildas #FIFAWWC #TilitsDone pic.twitter.com/4EJNKOIdQF
— CommBank Matildas (@TheMatildas) August 12, 2023
World Cup psychic animal update!
Matilda the koala reckons Australia are going to win.
But the gentoo penguins at Sydney Aquarium, who have been glued to the World Cup, have failed to send in their tips for tonight’s match because, um, they are otherwise occupied with mating season.
Because of all the interest in tonight’s fixture, we’re starting the ball rolling early again on the blog. That means there’s plenty of time for you to send me an email on your thoughts about tonight’s clash, Australian football, or just the World Cup in general.
Today’s soundtrack will be provided by Australian alt-rock legends Died Pretty in honour of frontman Ron S Peno, who died earlier today.
Preamble
Hello everybody and welcome to live coverage of Australia v France from Brisbane Stadium. Kick-off in this Women’s World Cup quarter-final clash is 5pm AEST/8am BST/9am CET.
It’s the biggest match in Australian football history – since the other one the other day – as this World Cup continues its groundbreaking progress. A mark of how transformative this tournament is proving can be experienced almost anywhere you choose to look across the country as fans – neophytes and diehards alike – commune in front of televisions and at fan parks to celebrate international women’s football.
We are witnessing the hoped-for frenzy this tournament promised when Australia and New Zealand were confirmed as joint-hosts three years ago. Enjoy it while you can, because we’ve not long to go.
This is the tournament’s 59th fixture. There are only five more after this. Both Australia and France hope they’re around for two of them.
The Matildas arrive as the competition’s form team after dispensing with heavyweights Canada and Denmark in effervescent fashion. Adding to the sense of expectation is the return to something approaching full fitness of captain and best player Sam Kerr. Home hopes are justifiably high.
But it’s not as if France will start as long shots. Beaten only once in 2023 (more on that to come) Les Bleues smashed four past Morocco and six through Panama in their last two outings. After a worrying period of turmoil before the tournament, France are looking more dangerous by the match as Hervé Renard refines his approach.
Back to that solitary defeat of 2023 – it came, of course, against the Matildas on the eve of the World Cup. In front of 50,000 fans in Melbourne France were the better side for long periods but failed to find the back of the net.
The same teams, a similar crowd, a different city, and much much higher stakes await this evening.
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