Quarter-final win over France was an occasion of soaring spectacle for Australia, and the stakes could not have been higher
Australia 0-0 France (7-6 on pens) | Player ratings | Reaction
“We’ve made history.” These are big words. But Matildas winger Hayley Raso is entitled to make them. She played 104 minutes in a titanic World Cup quarter-final struggle against a mighty French side. Then, after being substituted, had the best seat in the house for what those in Brisbane will surely describe as the greatest penalty shootout ever.“You saw the emotion and the scenes afterwards,” she said. “The feelings all around are just so high.” Continue reading...
The 50,629 attendance mark will only last a week as Australia go into World Cup opener on Thursday with perfect preparationAt the home of the Matildas, balloons have been tied to the front gate. The table has been set and streamers ring the backyard. The festivities are just about ready to kick off. And while it might have been France who were celebrating Bastille Day on Friday night, it was Mary Fowler who brought the punch.Less than a week before their Women’s World Cup opener, the Matildas defeated a France team ranked five places above them thanks to Fowler’s goal midway through the second half. In an even contest, Australia made the most of their one clear-cut chance, while France...
Squad’s talent is clear but fallout from club tensions and doubts over coach Corinne Diacre have dampened expectationsWelcome to Moving the Goalposts, the Guardian’s new (and free) women’s football newsletter. Here’s an extract from this week’s edition. To receive the full version once a week, just pop your email in below:France have one of the best squads at the women’s Euros, yet few expect them to win it. Why? For years they have been dogged by controversies, infighting and intrigue – and the issues refuse to go away. Continue reading...