INTERNATIONAL: In a country where soccer has not been very popular in the past, Australia's victory over France in the Women's World Cup quarter-finals is a watershed moment.
The game itself was a penalty shootout thriller, with Australia winning 7-6. Australia's goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold saved four penalties, including two from Kenza Dali. Australia's Cortnee Vine scored the winning penalty to send Australia into the semi-finals.
Australia's manager Tony Gustavsson said that the shootout was a rollercoaster for everyone. He said that it seemed like it was meant to be when Mackenzie Arnold took the fifth penalty, but then it wasn't meant to be. He said that Clare Hunt, the World Cup debutant, maybe it was meant to be. But he said that Vine, who was waiting around in the centre circle, to stay as composed as she does, is unheard of mental strength.
France's manager Herve Renard said that it was their plan to change their goalkeeper in the 123rd minute. He said that they all know Durand's qualities, and she is amazing in shootouts. He said that if they had won this evening, he would be king of the world; instead he is nothing by millimeters. He said that is why they love football.
Renard was also full of praise for Mackenzie Arnold, calling her "a goliath of a goalie" and the "winning factor."
Australia are now into unchartered waters, a first ever World Cup semi-final. Asked if this upcoming week is the biggest in Australian football history, Gustavsson welcomed the hyperbole. He said that he loves it, and that they have shown they thrive under pressure, over and over again. He said that he has an unhealthy addiction to this type of games, they make you feel alive. This is what life is about; making memories with the ones you love the most. He said that he can't wait to make more.
The sheer emotions felt in Australia were demonstrated in the roars of the capacity Brisbane Stadium crowd when the game began, when captain Sam Kerr was sent on as a second half sub, and when Vine scored the winning penalty. The sound of nearly 50,000 Australians singing Down Under by Men at Work after that spot-kick may have been cliched, but it also raised goosebumps.
It could have all ended so very differently. France dominated the first half of normal time against a nervous Australian side and should have scored at least once. But they failed to capitalise, allowed the hosts to regain confidence and ultimately triumph in a manner which can only supercharge belief that they are destined to be only the second ever hosts to win a Women's World Cup, after USA 24 years ago.
The emotions were also seen in the post-match press conference, with one Australian journalist in tears as they asked Gustavsson how much this result means to his team. He said that it makes him tear up, and that's why he teared up after the game. He said that when it is bigger than 90 minutes, bigger than sport, you think of all the hard work from everyone, the brave women who walked this path before his time. He said that he is extremely proud.
