Australia defy France to reach World Cup semi-final after penalty shootout chaos
Australia booked their place in the semi-finals of the FIFA Women's World Cup after beating France 7-6 in a nerve-racking penalty shootout.
It was a nail-biting encounter at the Suncorp stadium in Brisbane but neither side were able to break the deadlock inside 90 minutes. Arguably the best chance of the game fell to the Matildas shortly before half-time as Mary Fowler saw an effort cleared off the line by a diving Elisa De Almeida.
France thought they'd scored a winner in extra-time when Wendie Renard headed home, but it was brought back for a foul on Alanna Kennedy. Cortnee Vine also had a glaring opportunity to break French hearts when she got on the end of a low, driving cross from Caitlin Foord but she could only direct her effort wide.
Penalties were needed to separate the two teams and it was Vine who scored the winning spot-kick to fire the Matildas through to the final four. Here are six talking points from a tight match that ended with an epic conclusion
Penalty shootout chaos
It was nervy, edge-of-your-seat stuff in Brisbane. Selma Bacha missed her opening penalty for France to give Australia an early advantage but Steph Catley missed the Matildas' second to level the scoreline.
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Eve Perisset missed another for Les Bleus but Australia goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold struck the post moments later. If things couldn't get even more stressful, Kenza Dali missed her initial penalty for France but VAR stepped in as Arnold was ruled to be off her line.
The Aston Villa midfielder missed her second attempt, but Clare Hunt then missed another opportunity to win it for Australia. Things went from bad to worse for France as Vicki Becho then missed her spot-kick, allowing Vine to clinch it at the death for the co-hosts.
Not to mention Mackenzie Arnold stepping up for a penalty to send Australia through - but spectacularly hitting the post to miss. Did we mention it had drama?
France backline is a brick wall
France's backline was key to keeping Australia out in the first half of that game. While France icon Wendie Renard is usually the talisman for keeping the defence in check, Pauline Peyraud-Magnin's shot-stopper could compete for one of the best clearances of the tournament.
Even in the second half, the French defence were refusing to let Australia get to the back of the net, and did well to keep an Australian side out that just never gave up.
Sam Kerr is Australia's make or break
With Sam Kerr starting on the bench once again for the Matildas, it's obvious she is the make or break, the do or die, for the Aussies.
The first half was a pretty even keel for both teams, with nobody able to make a real breakthrough, and some sloppy passes from the Australians without many chances made it clear they desperately needed Kerr.
Kerr made her appearance off the bench in the 55th minute and straight away the tempo of the game changed. Australia's momentum increased three-fold with the creative flare and chances, and fans across the world truly see how this team's energy changes when she enters the fold.
The Chelsea star will certainly have a greater part to play in the semi-finals.
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It's become a football-loving country as World Cup fever gripped Australia and New Zealand. The fan parks have become so full there's barely any standing room, while the sea of yellow in the stadiums in support for the Matildas drown out any other opposition fans.
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The Aussies have really taken this World Cup in their stride, making it their own and welcoming fans across the world, while making their voices heard.
Ahead of Australia's quarter-final against France, the domestic league saw Sydney Swans fans gathering in their droves to watch the clash - kangaroos included.
Sydney Swans fans watch Australia's FIFA Women's World Cup Quarter Final match against FranceFrance missing their No.1 striker
Delphine Cascarino is seriously missed for France. While Wendie Renard is protecting that backline, Les Bleus are missing out on the creative chances to get the goals.
They look sharpest on the counter or set pieces but they're going to enjoy the most possession, their best game plan is whipping crosses into the box but they're desperately missing their No 1 striker to actually get that ball in the back of the net.
Also as a result, their attacking and flowing style of play is limited without the attack moving forward and they are having to rely heavily on their defence to keep out as many goals as possible as Australia attack.
Kadidiatou Diani and Le Sommer have plugged the gap well, but it's scary to think what this France team could be capable of at full strength.
Les Bleus back on track
It's been a turbulent year for the French women's national team after their semi-final exit at the Euros last summer. A number of players refused to play under former manager Corinne Diacre, including captain Wendie Renard.
The federation eventually parted company and replaced her with Saudi Arabia manager Herve Renard, but the 54-year-old had very little time with his players before the World Cup following his appointment at the end of March. They no doubt would've been forgiven if they needed time to find their feet under a new coach.
Yet, after a somewhat underwhelming group stage, France found their groove. They dismantled Morocco with ease in the round of 16 and proved a difficult test for co-hosts Australia, forcing it all the way to penalties.
Le Sommer marked her return to the national fold in style and Diani has been extremely impressive. With an Olympics on home soil next year, France have every reason to be positive going forward, despite their heartbreaking exit.
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