Despite ending goalless, the first half was not shy of drama. Just 12 minutes into the contest, defender Maelle Larkar had a chance for France in the six-yard box, which she shockingly skied over the bar.
Deep into the first half, Australian forward Mary Fowler was presented with an empty net when French shot-stopper Pauline Magnin was in no man’s land. However, Élisa de Almeida produced the best defensive intervention of the tournament by throwing herself in front of the shot to block it.
Another big chance fell to Fowler just before halftime, which she couldn’t convert.
The Maltidas came firing on all cylinders after the break as they piled up continuous pressure on the Les Bleues backline. Much to the dismay of the French defenders, Australian talisman Sam Kerr was introduced at 55 minutes to make her first appearance since her injury in the group stage. This sent Suncorp Stadium into bedlam as the co-hosts welcomed back their trump card.
Kerr immediately got in on the action by setting up a goal-bound Hayley Rasso shot. However, French goalkeeper Pauline Magnin acrobatically denied the Real Madrid Femenino playmaker’s effort.
The co-hosts were presented with a number of openings to gain the lead as Les Bleues were at sixes and sevens. Herve Renard’s side gained some composure as both parties continued to push for an opener.
Herve Renard’s reactions after France exit
The match eventually progressed to extra time because neither side could break the deadlock.
As the penalty shootout inevitably drew closer, France’s manager, Renard, decided to replace shot-stopper Pauline Magnin with Solène Durand.
After one of the most enthralling penalty shootouts in FIFA World Cup history, Cortnee Vine fired Australia into the semifinals with a decisive penalty. The Matildas’ shot-stopper, Mackenzie Arnold, was the star of the show as she produced four penalty shootout saves against Les Bleues despite also missing her spot kick.
Renard praised both teams and said it was difficult to state who deserved it more.
“You have to be proud of the girls tonight. They played an exceptional match. It went from one end to the other, and it’s hard to say who deserved it more. Congratulations to Australia. Congratulations to all of our staff, who did a magnificent job. We have to keep our heads up and think about the Olympic Games. You have to persevere and be proud of what they’ve done. It’s football, it’s destiny that has chosen. Good luck to Australia,” said Renard.
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The Australian coach, Tony Gustavsson, on the other hand, was over the moon and grateful to the home crowd for rallying behind the Maltidas.
“I’m so proud. The bravery and heart this team showed is unbelievable. To the crowd, I can only say thank you. Thanks for supporting this team and believing in them. This team belongs to every single person in this country.”
Up next for the co-hosts is a semifinal against either England or Colombia, who battle it out later today.
