The Australian Women’s National Soccer Team made history on June 23rd, 2019 when they beat France in a dramatic penalty shootout to reach the semifinals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time. After a hard-fought match that ended in a 1-1 draw, the Matildas, as they are affectionately known, held their nerve to win the shootout 4-1.
The match was a tense affair, with both teams having their chances to win in regular time. Australia had the better of the chances, with Sam Kerr coming close to scoring a winner in the second half. However, it was France who took the lead in the 81st minute when Wendie Renard headed in from a corner.
The Matildas refused to give up though, and equalized in the dying minutes of the game through a penalty from captain and talisman, Lisa De Vanna. The penalty shootout then followed, and Australia held their nerve to win 4-1 and book their place in the semifinals.
The victory was a huge moment for Australian soccer, and for women’s soccer in general. It was the first time Australia had reached the semifinals of a Women’s World Cup, and it was also the first time they had beaten France in a competitive match.
The Matildas will now face Norway in the semifinals on June 27th. It will be a tough match, but if they can replicate the same determination and spirit that they showed against France, then they have every chance of making it through to the final.
No matter what happens in the next match, this has already been a historic tournament for Australia. They have shown that they can compete with the best teams in the world, and have made their mark on the international stage.
