Cortnee Vine has scored the winning penalty for Australia against France in the FIFA Women’s World Cup Quarter Final to send the hosts into the Semi Final for the first time in their history.
This is the first time that Australia have reached a World Cup Semi in Women’s or Men’s football and now they will face England on Wednesday night at Stadium Australia.
The 120 minutes against France was end to end with both sides exchanging blow for blow with no way through. Vine entered the contest in Extra Time with Australia looking leggy and France pushing hard for the opening goal. With no goals in the additional 30 minutes, penalties beckoned and history would be made.
The penalty shoot-out was one for the history books, being the longest in Women’s or men’s history as 10 different players from each side took a spot kick. The shoot-out ebbed and flowed between both teams with Australia’s goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold stepping up with a chance to win the match after a save, but her shot cannoned off the post.
In the end, the decisive moment would come from the boot of Sydney FC’s Cortnee Vine, 10th in the order for the Matildas on the night. She dispatched with confidence and sent a nation into jubilation. Millions across the country tuned into the broadcast on TV’s, packed into live sites and on phones to witness the 25 year old slot the winning penalty.
A massive task awaits the Matildas with European Champions England waiting on the other side. Should they win, they will face the winner of the other Semi Final between Spain and Sweden, played at Eden Park on Tuesday night.
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