Women's championship World Cup 2023: Australia gripped by penalty drama on historic night

In a country where "football" has long struggled to make a major impact on the mainstream consciousness, Australia's victory over France in the Women's World Cup quarter-finals feels like a seminal moment.

Even before the game, the shift in public perception was notable. The Australian Football League - which runs Australian rules - made the surprise decision to show the quarter-finals on big screens at the Melbourne Cricket Ground ahead of the huge AFL match between Carlton and Melbourne.

Women's championship

It shows how much the Matildas have captured the national imagination – and if they were popular before, that enthusiasm will now peak after a penalty shootout victory that is hardly reliable in its ups and downs.

• Reaction to Australia beating France on penalties
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Drama began when France manager Hervé Renard was adjudged to have fouled keeper Pauline Perrud-Magin in the last seconds, before Soulen Durand was sent off for a penalty.

The spot-kick started with a bang as Australia goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold saved Selma Bacha's early effort. She stalled four times in the crossfire - and that only tells half the story.

Durand saved from Steph Catley, but when Arnold blocked Eve Pariset's effort it looked certain she would be the heroine as she proceeded to collect the fifth Matilda kick. But Arnold hit the post, so we move on.

Fans arrive early to watch the match between Australia and France on the big screen before an AFL match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground After drawing six penalties, Arnold made two saves from France's ninth taker Kenza Dali.

The West Ham keeper was penalized by referee Maria Carvajal for stepping off his line and fouling his luck during the shootout. Arnold got up, confronted Retek and saved him as well.

However, Arnold was again in the spotlight when Durand made the best defense in the shootout to deny Claire Hunt's powerful attack with one hand.

Yet Australia would not be denied, and when 19-year-old Vicky Beko hit the post, 10th Matildas pick Courtney Wynne mustered up the courage to send Australia into football-induced ecstasy; A position where they have rarely been before.

'We were against the whole country'

There were signs of support for Matilda in the crowd at the AFL match between the Sydney Swans and the Gold Coast

Suns Australia's manager Tony Gustavsson said, "This shootout was a roller coaster ride for all of us." "It's like it's written in the stars. When Maca [Mackenzie Arnold] comes in fifth, you realize it shouldn't have happened.

"Claire Hunt, who is making her World Cup debut, probably should have done it. But Vine, she's waiting in the center circle, so she stays as calm as possible... That's unheard-of mental strength."

Gustavsson said his team was not bothered by France changing their keeper in the 123rd minute, pointing out that the Australian men's team had done the same in their play-off for the 2022 World Cup. Andrew Redmayne saved the penalty and Australia qualified.