The Young Socceroos are champions of Asia for the first time with a thrilling penalty shootout victory against Saudi Arabia in the U20 Asian Cup final in Shenzhen, China.
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Goalkeeper Steven Hall became the nation’s newest footballing hero, etching himself into folklore by pulling off a one-handed save on the final penalty of the shootout to secure the title.
The scores were locked at one-all after the regulation 90 minutes, and they remained the same after 30 minutes of extra time.
Louis Agosti, who came into the starting line-up as one of three changes made by manager Trevor Morgan, was Australia’s lone goal scorer with a superb volley to open the scoring in the 24th minute.
The Saudi defenders failed to properly clear an Australian free kick that was whipped into the penalty area, and the ball fell to Agosti outside of the box, who struck a low volley across the goal and into the far corner of the net.
Scores were level heading into half time however as a Talal Abubakr Haji header beat Hall.
But Australia were the better of the two teams in the second half, and an extra time, put did not capitalise on several opportunities and were perhaps a little unlucky for the referee not pointing to the spot when substitute Tiago Quintal was brought down in the box.
When it got to the shootout, the Australian teenagers showed nerves of a steel to convert a perfect five from five.
Saudi Arabia were flawless on their first four attempts too, but Hall, who is on the books at Premier League club Brighton, heroically denied them.
Australia’s Alex Badolato was awarded player of the tournament for a stellar campaign where the Western Sydney Wanderers midfielder scored twice and provided three assists.
Badolato was one of 16 players in the squad of 23 for the tournament who are with A-League clubs, while the other seven play their club football in Europe or England.
The Young Socceroos will now turn their focus towards the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile in September and October, which they qualified for by making the semi-finals of the U20 Asian Cup and it will be the first time Australia has taken part in the premier global tournament for male teenagers since 2013.
Anticipation is already at fever pitch for the Matildas’ World Cup semi final against England on Wednesday night at Stadium Australia.
Tony Gustavsson’s side made the final four for the first time via a thrilling penalty shootout victory over France, while England beat Colombia 2-1 inside 90 minutes to progress.
Although there’s so much to be excited about, there are a number of big question marks surrounding this Matildas side going into Wednesday’s clash.
Foxsports.com.au breaks them all down in Matildas Burning Questions!
Every single Aussie match, the biggest question on everyone’s lips has been along the same lines. Is Sam Kerr fit? Will she play? How much will she play?
Against Denmark, the answer was about ten minutes, though she said afterwards she felt she was ready to go from the start.
Against France, she entered the fray ten minutes into the second half, meaning she played 40 minutes (including stoppage time), plus thirty minutes of extra time and another seven of stoppage time from that period.
77 minutes in total – with coach Tony Gustavsson revealing afterwards he was informed by the team’s medical unit “that she had limited minutes” she was able to play. “The biggest decision to be honest was when to bring Sam in. It was a massive decision even before the game to leave her on the bench,” he said.
“And then it was the timing. I was informed that she had limited minutes today.
“And then we needed to put extra time into consideration. That was a massive decision to get right.”
Kerr herself said she never expected to start against France, but hinted after the game she would be ready for a full game in the semi-finals.
“When I hurt my calf the plan was always to be ready for semi-final time so I could have (started) but who knows what would have happened,” she said.
“I played 65 minutes and feel better for it and I’ll have more training under my belt and feel ready to go now.”
Sam Kerr buries her spot kick during the FIFA Womens World Cup Quarter final match between against France at Brisbane Stadium. Picture Lachie MillardSource: News Corp Australia
But with just a three-day turnaround before the England match – much of that dedicated to recovery – Kerr might not be fit enough to play a full 120 minutes should the game go to extra time (more, if you include stoppage time).
The question then becomes whether to play the striker from the start and potentially have to take her off in the latter stages of the match (including possible penalties), or if you bring her on off the bench once more.
When she came on against France, Kerr’s introduction brought about an immediate momentum shift and inspired the Australians to push forward. She said afterwards: “I tried to bring energy when I came on, I tried to lift the girls and I kind of think the momentum swung a bit in our favour and that’s what you have to do as a sub, to come on and just settle in and do your job.”
Sisters Vienna 11, and Amalia Gergely-Hollai 8, were given boots by Sam Kerr as the Matildas left Brisbane on Sunday.Source: News Corp Australia
If the Matildas are struggling against England as the match wears on, that kind of game-changing impact could be invaluable.
But the last couple of games have exposed a major worry: Australia started very slowly against Denmark and also struggled in the opening exchanges against France, with only a horrible miss from close range saving the Aussies from conceding in the opening 15 minutes.
That first period could prove crucial – after all, fighting back from an early goal down is one hell of a mountain to climb against a world-class side like England.
If Kerr can help to settle the team and assert control from the start, that might be the crucial factor in starting her.
The plan is simple: Win inside 90 minutes – and cross your fingers Kerr’s calf can deal with extra time if it comes to that.
The Matildas have to juggle plenty of competing factors when it comes to Sam Kerr.Source: News Corp Australia
CAN THE TIRED MATILDAS BACK UP?
Every World Cup campaign is long, gruelling, and physically draining.
Games come thick and fast, with teams criss-crossing the country for their matches – the Matildas have played in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Brisbane so far, with just a three-day turnaround before their Sydney semi-final on Wednesday.
But there are a couple of reasons to be concerned about the Matildas’ fitness for the semi-final.
Firstly, Australia has used a conspicuously low number of substitutes this tournament, as well as very few rotations to the starting team in different matches.
Coming into the France game, Australia had used the fewest number of players out of any nation competing in the World Cup (17 of the 23 players), per Opta Stats. And the substitutes had been given an a combined average of 19 minutes per game – also the fewest of any nation.
“One thing this team have shown over the last half a year is that no matter what lineup we start with, or the lineup we finish with, they all know it takes 23 in 23,” coach Tony Gustavsson said before the World Cup.
“Meaning everyone is ready to step on and off if they need to. They have been amazing teammates supporting each other, there have been no complaints whatsoever in terms of who starts and comes off the bench. They know their role and they play their role.”
Hayley Raso has been brilliant this tournament, but looked tired before being substituted during the quarter-final.Source: AFP
But in contrast to that sentiment, the Swedish coach has shown a heavy reliance on his core group, who have performed at an incredibly high level as a group this tournament.
But the refusal to use the substitutions at his disposal has drawn criticism, especially against Nigeria when Gustavsson made no changes until the 82nd minute despite being down 3-1.
Australia made two substitutions against Ireland and Nigeria, three against Canada and France, and four against Denmark.
The limit is five per match, and when games go to extra time an additional substitute is made available. That means Australia has made just 14 of 26 available changes.
Combine that with limited changes to the starting line-up for each game, it means that the core group have played almost every minute of the tournament.
Meanwhile, Australia’s counterattacking style is based on intense pressing on defence before rapid transitions into attack – about as physically onerous as it gets, and the stats show the Matildas have covered more ground than just about any team this Cup.
As the match wore on against France, the Aussies began to look very tired – both towards the end of regular time as well as in the half-hour of extra time.
Will Kyah Simon be fit enough to make any appearances this World Cup … maybe just for a penalty shootout?Source: Getty Images
Two of the players who have been stuck on the bench – back-up keepers Teagan Micah and Lydia Williams – might not expect to get on the field at all, given the exceptional form of Mackenzie Arnold between the sticks.
But for the likes of Kyah Simon (still returning from injury), Clare Wheeler, Courtney Nevin, and Aivi Luik, they could easily be forced to come in cold in the biggest game in Australian history, having played no minutes before the semi-final.
Charlotte Grant and Alex Chidiac have played just once each so far, both off the bench for limited minutes.
Injuries could strike a starter at any moment and force a team reshuffle – like Sam Kerr’s on the eve of the opening game.
But it’s asking a lot of the seemingly fringe players to come in without any minutes before this tournament – just as it’s asking a huge amount of the core group to run their guts out for what could easily end up being another 120-minute effort in the semi-final.
Before the France match, Tony Gustavsson said he wasn’t concerned about the lack of rotation in his team or the metres they had racked up.
“Not at all,” he said. “Reason why is we’re extremely fit. We’ve shown that. There’s no coincidence that we have that running [ability]. Total metres is one thing, but what’s really interesting is the high-speed metres and the sprints – and they are off the charts compared to some other competitors.
Charlotte Grant has had just one appearance off the bench, but is the first fullback in line should Ellie Carpenter or Steph Catley go down.Source: Getty Images
“We’re fit, we’re fast. We know that. If you look at the schedule that the players are playing now, it’s nothing different than what they’re doing in club-land, in terms of the games, amount of weeks.
“And the funny thing with this team is every time we have shortened time between two games, they amp up the high-speed meters the game after. The most intense game we have played so far in terms of sprint and high-speed metres was the game we had less recovery time. They bounced back extremely well.
“That’s also a mindset thing, but I also want to say one more thing: it’s also thanks to the fans. The way the fans support us during the games and how loud they are, it carries us.
“We always play a pressing game and a high-octane game with a lot of sprints, a lot of running. You need that encouragement when you start fatiguing a little bit. A player will always be tired at the end of the game, especially with extra time, no matter how fit you are. But to push through that when you feel tired, you need to fans as well, especially as much as we run.”
There’s no doubt the Matildas have enjoyed a big boost from their fans in every game. But will that be enough to make up for their tired legs and over-reliance on the core group?
Gustavsson might just have to change up his starting side against England – or else be a bit quicker on the draw when it comes to using his bench.
Will Tony Gustavsson turn to his bench against England more than he previously has this tournament? (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
IT’S NOW OR NEVER FOR KYAH SIMON
When the Matildas’ 23-player squad was announced, eyebrows were raised at Kyah Simon’s inclusion given how little football she had played since suffering an ACL injury last year.
Simon was named despite still not fully fit, although Gustavsson expressed his confidence in the veteran forward and revealed she’d have a part to play in the knockout stages.
The Swede did not have to call on Simon against Denmark in their Round of 16 clash as the Matildas got the job done in normal time.
As the game against France ticked down to penalties, many might have thought it would be an opportunity for Simon to make her first appearance of the tournament.
But Gustavsson opted not to bring on the 32-year-old, with Tameka Yallop the preferred option off the bench.
Yallop did her job in the resulting penalty shootout and slotted home at a time when a miss would have sent the Matildas packing from the World Cup.
The call to bring on Yallop instead of Simon might have left some puzzled, especially since it seemed an opportune time as ever for the latter to be brought on.
Gustavsson has since revealed Simon was “ready to come on” to take a penalty if need be, but simply didn’t get the break in play towards the end he needed to throw her into the fray.
Simon is yet to feature at this World Cup. Pics Adam HeadSource: News Corp Australia
“There’s a lot of players sitting on the bench that are ready to come on,” Gustavsson said.
“What do you plan for in a moment like this? And you saw how it went, like the last three or four minutes we weren’t certain about extra time until the very last minute … it was four additional minutes.
“We then wanted to make some key decisions, if they score, what do we do to score? If we score how can I close out the game? Because it can happen in a matter of seconds.
“And because it was so tight and Kyah has limited playing minutes. I wanted to wait for the very last second if I brought her on and I didn’t find that break to bring her on was the right one.”
The victory over France means the Matildas remain alive in the tournament and also gives Simon more time out on the training park with her teammates.
She hasn’t been able to train much with the rest of the team for most of the tournament but, like Kerr, every extra day is of great benefit.
Simon won’t be starting against England and at this stage, it seems unlikely she will come on as a second-half substitute.
Her role will almost certainly be limited to taking a penalty in the shootout should the game against England reach that stage, but could come on late in extra time to make an impact.
But if the game goes to penalties and Gustavsson opts to leave Simon on the sideline again, questions will be asked as to why she was included.
Simon could be called upon if the Matildas’ semi final against England goes to penalties. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
FRANCE COACH ADDS VOICE TO CHORUS OF MATILDAS BELIEVERS
The Matildas are a minimum of 90 minutes away from making the World Cup final.
It is a little crazy to think that the team has got to this stage largely without superstar striker Sam Kerr, who has been limited to just over 75 minutes of action due to a calf injury.
Instead, the supporting cast of the Matildas have stepped up to have the team just two wins away from winning it all.
But it might not be the fever dream some may think it is.
Canada coach Bev Priestman was effusive in her praise for the Matildas and Gustavsson in the wake of a 4-0 loss in their final Group B fixture.
“Australia is a top, top side and I’ve said that from the start,” Priestman said at the post-match press conference.
“There’s nothing stopping them from pushing through this because they should be probably in the top four of a World Cup.”
Priestman’s thoughts were echoed by Denmark boss Lars Sondergaard, who believed Australia could “go all the way” but would need a dash of “luck” along the way having been on the wrong side of a 2-0 scoreline.
Canada coach Bev Priestman believes the Matildas can maintain their deep run at the World Cup. (Photo by William WEST / AFP)Source: AFP
“With the fantastic atmosphere that are at the games here, with the support that they have — you feel it all over — it’s a fantastic support for them, and it gives them extra power, so of course they could go all the way,” Sondergaard said in his post-match press conference.
“Of course, they also need the luck in some situations. I wish Australia all the best for the rest of the tournament.”
Now France’s Herve Renard has added his voice to the chorus of beaten coaches who believe the Matildas could be the last team standing.
“I’m wishing you all the best,” Renard said in the wake of his side’s heartbreaking loss on Saturday.
“I would like to repeat one more time: This competition was fantastic for us. Beautiful cities, beautiful stadiums, the atmosphere was fantastic.
“It’s a shame for us to go home. But, all the best to you now, I’m sure you can win this World Cup.”
That’s three coaches who have had success in their respective careers that believe the Matildas can go all the way.
So, if you still had any doubts as to the Aussies’ World Cup credentials, surely Priestman, Sondergaard and Renard’s comments have won you over.
Matildas get ready for Brazil. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Unlike what we’ve seen in recent days, tickets for the matches back in 2014 couldn’t even be given away.
The first match attracted a crowd of only 2583 fans. The second match however saw Football Federation Australia shut the doors to the stadium.
A lack of demand for tickets ultimately resulted in the match being played in front of 50,000 vacant seats as opening the venue up for a few fans would have been too costly.
Seven players from that 2014 squad remain among the Matildas group now with Clare Polkinghorne, Steph Catley, Emily van Egmond, Alanna Kennedy, Hayley Raso, Mackenzie Arnold and Katrina Gorry still donning the green and gold.
Sadly the stands were empty. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Fast forward to 2023 and the Matildas are obliterating the record books and it’s not just attendance records.
Sam Kerr is known the world over as one of the greatest strikers the game has ever seen, and this World Cup has shown the embrace of a nation that truly cares about the Matildas.
It comes after a generation of fighting from pioneers of women’s football for things like equal pay and conditions – fundamentally, the right to be seen equally.
When Kerr was growing up in East Fremantle, south of Perth, however, this wasn’t the case.
Growing up playing junior Australian rules football for South Fremantle, Kerr said she kept her gender a secret as a “five or six” year old after being allowed to play in one of the boys’ teams.
“I knew I’d be the only girl on the team but that didn’t worry me at all,” Kerr wrote in her new book My Journey to the World Cup.
Kerr coolly slotted her penalty in the tense penalty shootout against France. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Kerr said her teammates assumed she was male because of her “short hair and blonde tips”, but was comfortable with it, and decided to “keep (her) gender a secret because I didn’t want them to treat me any differently just because I was a girl.
“I remember one of the boys crying when he found out.
“But as good as I was out on the field, and as much as I loved playing the game, the physical differences between the guys and me eventually became too pronounced and the play was too rough.
“One day, I came home from a game with yet another black eye and bloody lip, and that’s when my dad and brother both said, ‘Nup, this isn’t happening anymore’.
“I was getting battered around so much out on the field that it was getting to be a big problem. Dad and my coach both sat me down then and said it was getting far too dangerous for me to continue to play.
“They said they were sorry, but that I wasn’t allowed to play football any more. I understood the reasons why, but I was heartbroken. Back then, there were no girls’ teams in my area for me to join, and to know that I’d never play a sport that I loved so much ever again was devastating.”
Without there being any junior girls’ Australian rules teams in her area, Kerr would move away from the sport she loved, and into the round-ball code at the age of 12, making her professional debut and earning her maiden Matildas cap by the age of 15.
The rest is history.
Sam Kerr as a child growing up in South Fremantle. Photo: NineSource: SuppliedKerr is the key for Australia ahead of a World Cup blockbuster. (Photo by Elsa – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Kerr’s experience is not unique, with a number of the Matildas speaking out about similar experiences growing up.
Ellie Carpenter spoke of the growth of the women’s game from when she was a junior, growing up in Cowra in central New South Wales.
“When I was growing up, I was with a boys’ team, I didn’t have a girls’ team,” Carpenter told press after the 2-0 win over Denmark in the Round of 16.
“I went and watched the Matildas play when I was 12 years old, and I think there was 300 people in the stadium, but that still wanted me to play for Australia.
“I still was dreaming to play on that pitch with the girls, and I think now if I was a 12 year old, in Stadium Australia watching sold out crowds, like how amazing that is for them, young girls, young boys to see that.
“How far we’ve come is just unimaginable.”
It comes as figureheads in Australian football call on governments, both state and federal, to fund the sport appropriately, pointing to the mania around the game.
Former Socceroo Craig Foster called out the politicians hopping on the Matildas’ bandwagon.
“Every MP who‘s held up a ’go Matildas’ sign or put out a tweet saying ’Tillies till I die’, there’s receipts and I’ve tucked them all away, and I’ll be coming for you in the future, because there’s a price to pay when you’re doing that,” Foster told The Canberra Times.
Sports diversity and inclusion advocate Rana Hussain summed it up with a reference to Bob Hawke.
“Any sports club that doesn’t have girls’ toilets and change rooms after this is a bum,” Hussain wrote on Twitter.
Two stars wrote their names into Australian footballing folklore as the Matildas booked a spot in the semi finals of the Women’s World Cup with a thrilling penalty shootout victory over France.
Neither side was able to break the deadlock in regular time, although both nations certainly had their chances.
Foxsports.com.au breaks down how EVERY player performed in Matildas Player Ratings!
That was a fingernail away from being a perfect performance. Player of the match Arnold was imperious all match, making a host of world-class saves as well as defending corners with excellent composure and punching. Normally an excellent penalty taker, she rattled the post with her shot but more than made up for it with a couple of clutch saves – including when she was forced to repeat one save after leaving her line early at the first attempt. It showed remarkable toughness to rebound from missing her own shot to make a couple more saves and win the shootout.
Arnold even revealed she only found out she was in the first five penalty takers after extra time.
“That’s the first time I knew I was going to take one. I was a little bit in shock,” she told Channel 7.
Ellie Carpenter – 7
Had an incredibly difficult assignment in facing Lyon teammate Selma Bacha, but she just about came out on top. In the Melbourne friendly with France three weeks ago, Bacha ran riot as France directed most of their attack down Carpenter’s right flank. This time out, Carpenter managed to keep her relatively quiet, while doing reasonably well in attack. Her final product was sometimes lacking, but when she got things right it tore France’s defence apart – like when she fed Raso in the build-up for Mary Fowler’s golden chance late in the first half. Carpenter was caught out of position once or twice through the game, which is almost a necessary downside to her attack-minded approach, but a clinical strike from the 12-yard dot in the shootout capped a solid performance.
Clare Hunt – 9
Hunt just goes from strength to strength – and every match it feels like she is growing into one of the world’s most calm and capable defenders! Having only debuted for the Matildas this year, facing Kadidiatou Diani – the player with the most goal involvements at this World Cup – is about as tough as it gets. But Hunt was like a wet blanket thrown on top of the on-fire Frenchwoman. Every time the ball came in Diani’s direction, Hunt was there to stifle her threat. Interceptions, aerial duels, clearances, tackles – Hunt did the lot.
A simply incredible performance, though she missed the potential matchwinning penalty.
She’s been linked to a number of clubs, and it seems a certainty that she’ll make a high-profile transfer after the World Cup.
Clare Hunt kept France’s attack quiet all night long. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Alanna Kennedy – 6
Looked a little nervous in the opening exchanges, and nearly had a catastrophic moment in the first ten minutes when she miscued a clearance and allowed Diani to run through on goal in the first half. Kennedy dragged her back by the shirt and was lucky not to give away a free-kick in a dangerous position (and probably should have had a yellow card too!) Kennedy was solid for the rest of the night, and got into good positions on set pieces going forward but couldn’t convert her chances. Was spared an own goal in extra time after a French foul in a rough-and-tumble corner, and simply refused to go off at the death despite copping a massive whack.
Steph Catley – 7
It was another dependable performance from the captain (at least, until Sam Kerr came on in the second half and took the armband). She took more than her fair share of big collisions in a physical contest but never backed down despite wearing a wince for the last half-hour. Made a number of excellent clearances and was rarely caught out – except in the very last seconds of the match when Eugenie Le Sommer raced past the tired Aussie and fired off a shot.
MIDFIELD
Katrina Gorry – 8
Entering this game, no player at the tournament had made more ball recoveries than Australia’s diminutive midfield warrior. After tonight’s game, her dominance of the statistic is probably untouchable.
From her hard tackling to throwing her body through the air to get a touch on the ball, Gorry was a force of nature. France hassled and harried her all match, making shutting her influence down a clear part of their game-plan from the first minute. But Gorry had a clearly anticipated the pressure she would face, and reacted by regularly turning backwards out of trouble to recycle possession. Once she settled into the game and began to secure some control of the midfield, momentum shifted in Australia’s favour. Her weight of passing and control in tight spaces was excellent, and she unleashed many of Australia’s best counter-attacks. Finished it off with a well-taken penalty and a rocking-the-baby celebration to boot, while her daughter Harper – one of Australia’s most beloved children right now – sent the crowd into raptures when she made her way onto the field after the final whistle.
Katrina Gorry continues to shine in the Matildas midfield. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Kyra Cooney-Cross – 8
With every match that passes and Cooney-Cross shines, the 21-year-old builds her case for a big-money transfer to one of the world’s top teams. Already she has been linked to the likes of Chelsea alongside Sam Kerr, Arsenal (with Caitlin Foord and Steph Catley), Manchester United, or Juventus and its Australian coach Joe Montemurro. It’s incredible to witness her rapid development on the international stage, and tonight seemed like another step forward. Against one of the world’s best midfield units, she held her own – and then some. After a tough opening period, she began to make her mark with excellent control of the ball under pressure, dribbling this way and that to evade the defence. Was substituted late in the piece for Tameka Yallop to come on and take a penalty.
Emily van Egmond – 7
Retained her spot as a false nine alongside Mary Fowler.
Showed tremendous hustle to carve out a chance from nothing when she chased the ball down and cut it back to Fowler, only for the youngster’s strike to be cleared off the line.
As always, did her best in a relatively unfamiliar role but never quite looked at home
Sacrificed in the 55th minute to bring Sam Kerr on.
Emily van Egmond almost created the first goal out of nothing. (Photo by WILLIAM WEST / AFP)Source: AFP
ATTACK
Hayley Raso – 8
Was probably quite fortunate to escape a yellow card in the early stages after flying into several tackles.
Had to drift inside the field to get on the ball but sadly couldn’t fashion many chances around the box in the first half.
She had a curling effort from outside of the box tipped over the bar in what was probably her best chance to score.
But her relentless tracking back to help out Carpenter was pivotal in snuffing out several French attacks.
Subbed off to a standing ovation in the 104th minute.
Mary Fowler – 9
Fowler continues to be the shining light of the Matildas attack.
The silky midfielder was dropping in between the lines and spraying out deadly passes across the park.
Was unlucky not to break the deadlock early on when her effort off a Van Egmond cutback was saved on the line by Elisa De Almeida.
Fowler also had a golden chance in the second half when she drove at the French backline but will regret not getting her head up to see Foord unmarked in space to her left.
Smashed home a penalty in the shootout.
Caitlin Foord – 8
Began the game out on the left wing again and immediately took the game to the French.
Foord was aggressive with and without the ball but struggled to find herself in similar positions to the ones she had against Denmark.
Looked more dangerous once Kerr came on in the second half even though she remained on the left side.
Converted Australia’s first penalty of the shootout which is no easy task.
Foord scored Australia’s first penalty in the shootout. (Photo by Patrick Hamilton / AFP)Source: AFP
SUBSTITUTES
Sam Kerr – 8
Came on in the 55th minute for Emily van Egmond to a rousing reception.
Kerr made an immediate impact when she embarked on a beautiful run with the ball before dishing it off to Raso, who had her effort tipped over the bar.
She was a livewire and had French defenders frightened about the runs she could make in behind, but was outstanding at linking up play with her teammates.
The skipper still is not fully fit and wasn’t sprinting around as much as we’ve grown accustomed to, but her substitution undoubtedly made the Matildas more dangerous.
Stepped up and converted after Steph Catley missed her penalty.
Cortnee Vine – 7
Came on in the 104th minute for Hayley Raso.
Vine almost broke the deadlock not long after coming on but she poked her effort just wide of the near post, although it was an incredibly difficult angle to score from.
Her rapid pace kept the French defence alert, especially in the dying stages of the game as the legs wore out.
But her most valuable contribution — and potentially the most valuable contribution of her career — was stepping up to convert the winning penalty.
‘Rarefied air!’ – Vine becomes a HERO | 00:31
Tameka Yallop – 6
Came on in the 116th minute for Kyra Cooney-Cross.
Ensured the Matildas didn’t concede, but didn’t make much of an impact during the game.
Scored her penalty once the shootout had reached the sudden death stages.
Ahead of their quarter-final match-up with Colombia (8.30pm AEST), European champions England have stunned Australian football with an incredibly generous act.
The world number four Lionesses have made Gosford’s Central Coast Stadium their base camp for their World Cup tilt, and will donate $A300,000 in gym equipment to local A-League team the Central Coast Mariners after the tournament.
The news was revealed by Mariners’ mens coach Nick Montgomery, and is a massive boost for the club making its debut in the A-League Women’s competition this season.
“It is important we continue to build resources,” Montgomery told talkSPORT.
“FIFA invest a lot of money, and for us to get some gym equipment, the stuff they are leaving behind to the only club on the central coast, it is a great gesture from them.
“Not only will it help us develop the young kids, but also the first-team and W-League team as well.”
Spain sealed a spot in the final eight via a 5-1 thrashing of Switzerland, while the Netherlands beat South Africa 2-0.
Later on Friday at 5:30pm, Japan take on Sweden in Wellington.
Japan conceded their first goal of the tournament against Norway in their Round of 16 clash but went on to secure a 3-1 victory and have scored 14 goals throughout the tournament so far.
As for Sweden, they qualified for the quarterfinals after a thrilling penalty shootout victory over the United States, knocking out the defending champions.
The winners of the respective games will then meet in the semi-finals on Tuesday August 15 at Eden Park.
WWC SCHEDULE – FRIDAY 11TH AUGUST (ALL TIMES AEST)
Spain v Netherlands, 11am at Eden Park (NZ) — MATCH CENTRE
Japan v Sweden, 5:30pm at Wellington Regional Stadium (NZ) — MATCH CENTRE
Alexia Putellas will look to guide Spain to the semi finals. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
ENGLAND SUPERSTAR GIVEN MAJOR BOOST AFTER BRAIN EXPLOSION
England forward Lauren James received a two-match ban from FIFA on Thursday for the stamp on Nigeria’s Michelle Alozie that earned her a red card in the Women’s World Cup last 16.
The 21-year-old Chelsea attacker was sent off in the 87th minute of Monday’s match in Brisbane, which European champions England went on to win on penalties.
She will miss England’s quarter-final against Colombia in Sydney on Saturday as well as a potential semi-final, but would be available to return should the Lionesses reach the final on August 20.
James apologised on Tuesday to Alozie over the incident, tweeting: “All my love and respect to you.” “I am sorry for what happened,” added James.
Separately, the England team released a statement of their own saying: “Lauren is really sorry for her actions which led to the red card and is full of remorse.
She was named player of the match after a heroic effort at goalkeeper for Sweden in a thrilling 5-4 penalty shootout victory against the United States on Sunday.
But Swedish goalkeeper Zećira Mušović was asked an odd question that wasn’t even about her incredible performance or that of her teammates in the aftermath to the game.
One journalist asked the goalkeeper if she knew former Swedish football star Zlatan Ibrahimović.
BBC Sport journalist Emma Smith later revealed all journalists in attendance were allowed to ask a total of three questions to the Swedish hero.
“I was sat two seats along from the journalist who asked this and could not believe what I heard,” she wrote.
“Utterly disrespectful after an incredible performance and a remarkable match/result. Also, we only got three questions to Mušović at the press conference. One of them was this bollocks.”
Zećira Mušović was asked if she knew Zlatan Ibrahimović.Source: FOX SPORTS
The same reporter also asked Mušović about something more relevant to the game itself, questioning whether she had said anything to the US players during the shootout.
“It’s the mental part of the game [that] is huge in the penalty shootout. You do what you’re allowed to do,” she said.
Mušović later told reporters she had a “good feeling” before Sunday’s stunning win.
“We were facing a really tough opponent today and somehow we managed to get to the penalty shootout, where we showed a lot of courage,” said Mušović.
“I’m extremely proud of the girls that we could go there and win the game. “It’s a huge win for us. I had a really good feeling before the game.”
Sweden now faces Japan in a quarter-final on Friday at Eden Park Outer Oval.
WALSH RETURNS TO FULL TRAINING, SET TO RETURN FOR ENGLAND
Meanwhile, Keira Walsh will be available for England in their last-16 Women’s World Cup clash against Nigeria on Monday as long as she shows no adverse reaction to returning to training.
England’s key midfielder was stretchered off in agony in a 1-0 group-stage win over Denmark with what was feared to have been a serious knee injury.
But scans found the Barcelona star had not been badly hurt and just over a week on she resumed training on Sunday, in a huge boost to England’s World Cup hopes.
Coach Sarina Wiegman declined Sunday to disclose the exact nature of the knee injury but said: “She’s doing well. She started to rehab straight after we knew what was going on.
“She was on the pitch and training today.
“Now we’ll wait to see how she recovers from that training session and if she does well then she’s available for tomorrow.”
Keira Walsh is expected to be good to go. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Wiegman switched England’s usual 4-3-3 formation to 3-5-2 against China because of Walsh’s absence and it paid off with a handsome 6-1 win.
Whether she retains the same set-up against Randy Waldrum’s Nigeria remains to be seen given the threat of Barcelona goal machine Asisat Oshoala and the dangerous Uchenna Kanu in attack.
Wiegman is especially wary of Nigeria — who defeated co-hosts Australia 3-2 in the group phase — on the counter-attack.
“They’re quick, they’re pretty physical, so those are things we really need to be aware of,” she said.
Wiegman said a series of shock results at the World Cup, including early exits for Germany, Brazil and Canada, were proof that England could not afford to take lower-ranked Nigeria lightly.
England are European champions and one of the favourites to win the World Cup but Wiegman cautioned: “What we’ve seen in this tournament is that nothing is easy.
“The growth of the game is shown at this tournament.
“We haven’t had any easy games at all and we don’t expect an easy game tomorrow. “It’s going to be very competitive and we need to be at our best.”
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Wrexham, the Welsh non-league club owned by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, stand 90 minutes away from achieving their ultimate goal: promotion.
A victory over Boreham Wood on Sunday (3:30am AEST) will end Wrexham’s 15-year exile from the English Football League (EFL) with one game to spare in the National League thanks to a 3-0 win over Yeovil Town last Wednesday.
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And the Welsh side has the chance to do it all in front of their passionate fans at The Racecourse.
Securing promotion would be the culmination of what has been one of the most enthralling title races and seasons the National League has ever witnessed.
Wrexham and second-placed Notts County have shared top spot a staggering 14 times over the course of the season.
Phil Parkinson’s side have also broken several records throughout and can now lay claim to the most points accrued in a single season (107 and counting), most goals scored (112 and counting), most wins (33 and counting) as well as fewest defeats (three).
Granted, there is an argument to be made that Wrexham have bought promotion given their ability to invest heavily on recruitment and bring players from higher leagues down to the fifth tier on big wages.
It’s also cruel on Notts County who have pushed Wrexham to the absolute limit this season without the backing of Hollywood actors and the big-money sponsorship that comes with such association
But there can be no denying Wrexham’s story has captured the hearts of not just the city itself, but of football and non-football fans across the globe.
Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson has his side just one win away from promotion. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
The TV show Welcome To Wrexham helped spread the word and story of the club, even if the conclusion of season one was a failure when it came to promotion.
Yet season two could have a significantly happier ending if all goes to plan against Boreham Wood on Sunday.
Foxsports.com.au takes a look at all the scenarios facing Wrexham in the final two games of the season and how Parkinson’s troops can get the promotion party started.
Bring on the Deadpool! (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
HOW DO WREXHAM GO UP?
Going into Wrexham’s clash against Boreham Wood, there are two fixtures left in the National League season.
Wrexham, the league leaders, sit on a staggering 107 points.
In second place, Notts County is on 103 points.
A win for Wrexham against Boreham Wood would take the Reds to 110 points and guarantee promotion, because even if Notts County win their penultimate league game against last-placed Maidstone United, a four-point gap with one game to go would remain.
Wrexham could also have promotion sewn up before they even take to the park as Notts County play Maidstone United three-and-a-half hours earlier.
Should Notts County lose, it would mean the four-point gap remains and Wrexham can dream of promotion without needing to win.
Put simply, promotion is in Wrexham’s hands.
Paul Mullin’s goalscoring exploits have been key to Wrexham’s season. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
WHISPER IT QUIETLY … BUT COULD WREXHAM BOTTLE PROMOTION?
Wrexham surely can’t lose it from here, right?
Wrong.
It would be an almighty collapse for the expensively-assembled team, but it’s very much a possibility.
Here’s how.
If Notts County beat Maidstone United, a result that seems a given based on the latter’s position on the ladder, it will decrease the gap at the top to one point.
With Wrexham due to play Boreham Wood three-and-a-half hours after Notts’ game, they will be well aware of their promotion rivals’ result.
Pressure can do funny things and if Notts get a win, Wrexham might just be looking nervously over their shoulders.
Boreham Wood are also no pushovers as the sixth-best team and boast the meanest defence in the National League, conceding a measly 35 goals.
The signing of Ben Foster has proved key in helping Wrexham over the finish line. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
There’s also another world in which Wrexham draw their next two games against Boreham Wood and Torquay United while Notts County beat both Maidstone United and York City.
Should that happen, both teams will end up on 109 points.
But, as it stands, Notts have the superior goal difference with +72 compared to Wrexham’s +71.
That would mean Notts go up automatically to League Two while Wrexham must slog it out in the lottery that is the National League play-offs for a second-straight season.
There’s also a cruel, cruel world in which Wrexham lose both their games.
Again, it hinges on what happens in Notts’ game against Maidstone, but a Notts win and a Wrexham loss means the former would be just one point behind the league-leaders with a game to go.
If Wrexham then goes on to lose to Torquay and Notts beat or draw with York City, that would also see Notts going up to the fourth tier of English football and Wrexham stuck in the play-offs.
Ryan produces TWO clutch penalty saves | 00:34
Regardless of Sunday’s outcome, Reynolds and McElhenney’s second full season as Wrexham owners has thrown up some of the most memorable moments in the club’s history.
They came agonisingly close to a quarter-final appearance in the FA Cup and Ben Foster’s last-gasp penalty heroics in a 3-2 victory against Notts County only a few weeks ago will be talked about for years to come to name just two.
But a victory against Boreham Wood will eclipse all of those in a season of dreams and one that’ll make for gripping viewing in season two of Welcome To Wrexham, even if we know how the story ends.
