Australia registered a nail biting win over France in the quarter final match of the FIFA women’s World Cup 2023 at the Brisbane stadium. A dramatic penalty shootout saw Australia emerge victorious amidst immense pressure and nerve cracking competition. The game was more or less an evenly poised one with both the sides having their fair share of chances. The intensity of the game kept getting higher with each passing moment and eventually came to an end with Australia booking their tickets for the semi final match.
The game began with each of the two sides seeking their opportunities to attack the opponent’s net. The first few minutes of the match saw both the sides struggling to create any significant impact. The first major opportunity came in for France in the 8th minute when Kenedy’s clearance fell into the path of Dani, who latched onto it in a flash. The French striker created room for her shot but could only send her effort wide of the target.
France squandered another big chance few minutes later when Le Sommer showed presence of mind after the ball bouncing onto her path and passed smashed it across the box. Lakrar who was waiting at the far post couldn’t react on time and this failed to redirect the ball on target from close range.
Australia arguably had their best chance of the match in the 41st minute. Following a mix up between the French defence and the goalkeeper, Van Egmond nicked in a ball into the path of Fowler who had the goal gaping. De Almeida however came to France’s rescue with a tremendous last ditch tackle to deny Fowler and Australia a goal.
The second half began with Australia continuing their good work in the opposition’s half of play. Pyraud Magnin got the ball under pressure and managed to send it only as far as Fowler who immediately went for goal only to see her effort being deflected behind for a corner. The momentum of the game continued to shift ways towards both the sides towards the later phase of the second half.
However neither of the two teams were able to convert any of their chances which resulted in the rhythm of the game going down with each passing minute. The game eventually went to extra time. It was in the 100th minute when Renard had the ball in the back of the net. The goal was however chopped off by VAR due to a foul on Foord when the cross had come in.
120 minutes of play thus came to an end and the game then had to be decided via penalties. The penalty shootout was a long one with both the sides having to take 10 kicks each before the result was achieved. Australia clinched the thrilling penalty shootout at last as they won 7-6. FT:- Australia 0(7)-0(6) France.
