West Ham United’s Arnold the penalty hero as Australia reach World Cup semi-finals | OneFootball

Mackenzie Arnold showed nerves of steel as Australia won a nail-biting penalty shootout against France to claim their place in the FIFA Women’s World Cup semi-finals for the first time.

After a goalless 120 minutes, the CommBank Matildas defeated France 7-6 on penalties in front of a crowd of almost 50,000 at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium earlier today.

France applied the pressure early in the first half with centre-back Maëlle Lakrar twice missing the target from close range. Roared on by the home crowd, Australia responded and they went close through Mary Fowler’s effort just before the break. The Manchester City winger saw her shot blocked on the line by Élisa de Almeida as the first half ended goalless.

Australia found another gear after the break and Sam Kerr came on in the 54th minute to add intensity to The CommBank Matildas’ attacking line. The Chelsea star had an immediate impact, driving forward and crossing the ball for Hayley Raso, whose left-footed shot demanded a save at full stretch from French keeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin.

The tie went into extra-time as neither team could find a breakthrough after 90 minutes. France looked to have taken the lead through a header by captain Wendie Renard in the 99th minute, but it was later disallowed. France continued to look the bigger threat, with Vicki Bècho forcing a one-handed save from Arnold in the second half of extra-time but they couldn’t find a goal.

The West Ham United goalkeeper was then put through her paces as the game went into a penalty shootout. Arnold kept out four French spot kicks, before Courtney Vine slotted home the winning penalty as Australia went through courtesy of a 7-6 victory from 12 yards.

Australia will face either England or Colombia in the FIFA Women’s World Cup semi-finals on Wednesday.