By Harry Awurumibe, Editor Abuja Bureau
Co-hosts Australia have done what Napoleon Bonaparte could not do by defeating France 7-6 in a penalty shootout thanks to substitute Cortnee Vine whose penalty kick won it for the Matildas to put them through to the semi-final stage.
France’s impressive center back Emy Becho, who was so good off the bench, missed from the spot in sudden death to leave scores at 6-6 as she dragged her effort against the base of the left-hand post.
But the 21-year Vine made it 7-6 to send Australians in to wide celebrations that will last life long as the Aussies have broken the long jinx of host country not able to progress beyond the quarter-final stage except the United States of America (USA) long time ago.
For the third FIFA World Cup in a row France depart at the quarter-final stage. Les Bleues enjoyed the better of the 120-minutes, especially the first half, then towards the end of extra time, but they failed to find a way beyond Australian goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold.
Around the stadium, gorgeous scenes on the field with an Aussie player, Tameka Yallop’s daughter, face painted, trotting around chased by Mary Fowler and Courtney Nevin. So unselfconsciously marvellous to watch.
