Playing in a World Cup Final may be a dream that is still within reach for the Matildas as they will now travel to Sydney on Wednesday to face the winners of the England vs Colombia quarter-final.

Unfortunately for Les Blues, their chances of making it into another semi-finals have come to an end and they are now on their way home after having managed to make it to the last-eight.

Momentum and dominance shifted between the two sides throughout the game. France started the game strongly, almost scoring in the 8th minute off the boot of Kadidiatou Diani. Shortly after, Maëlle Lakrar’s attempt went over the bar and Australia realised it was time to get their head’s in the game. Australia’s Mary Fowler took a shot at goal but Les Blues goalkeeper, Élisa De Almeida, denied her, keeping the score at a zero-all. 

The score remained goalless at half-time and despite the co-hosts efforts in the second-half, the game ended goalless moving over into extra-time to determine who makes it to the semi-finals.

Over-time proved just as much of a tight fight with a goal for the French being disallowed, pushing the game into the dramatics of a penalty shoot-out after the 30 minute extra-time came to an end. 

For the co-hosts, it was Cortnee Vine who was crowned the hero as she ensured the side got the higher out of 10 chances at goal. She was also the 20th striker to take her shot and with both sides standing at 6 goals secured, it was all up to Vine to secure the win. 

Securing the win in front of a home crowd of almost 50 000 was a sweet taste of victory for the Matilda’s. CNN reports that Australia’s head coach, Tony Gustavsson told reporters that he truly is so proud of his team and went on to thank the crowd of supporters saying, “You are part of this win. You belong to this team tonight, every single person in this country.”

Next on the agenda, the Matilda’s will take on the winners of the England vs Colombia game on Wednesday in Sydney.