Co-host nation Australia will face England in the Women’s World Cup semi-finals Wednesday after both teams won dramatic victories Saturday, with Australia eliminating France 7-6 on penalties and England knocking out Colombia 2-1.
Spain will face Sweden in the other semi-final after the latter defeated Japan 2-1 on Friday.
Nearly 50,000 fans watched as the Matildas made history on home soil, progressing to the semi-finals for the first time after having made it to the quarter-finals three times before.
After a disallowed goal for France in extra time, it was Cortnee Vine’s penalty that secured victory for Australia as 19-year-old’s Vicki Becho’s miss was fateful for France in a thrilling shootout. Australian goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold, after missing a penalty herself, had managed to block Kenza Dali’s attempt twice after she was determined to have left the goalline early the first time.
“I’m so happy I can’t put it into words,” said iconic Australian striker Sam Kerr, who made only her second appearance in the tournament as she is recovering from a calf injury.
“It’s just a whirlwind, but really proud of the girls, it’s been a team effort, from the staff to the players and to the fans… We have so much belief. We are riding the wave of excitement and we are playing some of our best football. The girls are smashing it and it’s a team effort,” she added.
“It’s changing football in this nation forever. The country is going nuts. And we’re loving it.”
Meanwhile the Lionesses came from behind to win against Colombia, thanks to goals from Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo.
Leicy Santos’s goal had given Colombia a lead but Hemp equalized less than ten minutes later, just before half-time. England managed to hold on the lead secured by Russo’s second-half goal, despite Colombian pressure, to secure progression to the semi-finals for the third consecutive time. England has never made it to the finals.