Australia's women's football team, the Matildas, has secured their spot in the semi-finals of the Women's World Cup for the first time, after a gripping penalty shoot-out victory against France at Brisbane Stadium.
After a goalless 120 minutes of play, the Matildas emerged victorious in a penalty shoot-out that featured astonishing twists and turns, ending with a score of 7-6.
Cortnee Vine's successful spot-kick secured Australia's win, while Vicki Becho's attempt for France hit the post. Australia's goalkeeper, Mackenzie Arnold, emerged as a hero by making four crucial saves during the shoot-out, including two from Kenza Dali. Arnold's initial save led to a retake due to her stepping off the line, showcasing the high tension of the moment.
In a remarkable turn of events, Arnold, who played a key role in her team's victory, had the chance to score the decisive penalty as the fifth taker for Australia. Unfortunately, her attempt hit the post, evoking a rollercoaster of emotions from the nearly 50,000 fans in the stadium.
With this historic win, Australia advances to their inaugural Women's World Cup semi-final. The Matildas are set to face either England or Colombia at Stadium Australia in Sydney on 16 August at 11:00 BST.
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