This is how Daily Mail Australia rated the home team.
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Mackenzie Arnold – 9
Looks a different player than the one who conceded three goals against Nigeria and went into the penalty shootout after 120 minutes of play.
France really put her to the test in the second half of extra time when she made an excellent save to deny Vicki Becho and keep the Matildas in play. Had to thank her defense for saving her minutes later when all she could do was push Grace Geyoro’s cross away.
Shocked Matildas fans by lining up to take a penalty kick, which was blocked. Controversially denied a save, but was ice cold when knocking out the repeated penalty that played a big part in the final result.
Mackenzie Arnold made a crucial save in the second half of extra time
Ellie Carpenter – 6
Struggled early on as France dominated proceedings, never quite settling into the game and often missing her final balls. Got caught in possession twice in the second half, but the Matildas survived. Still, she played her role on the defensive line as the Matildas kept another clean sheet. Got up with a vital penalty kick as the shots went deep into the side.
Clare Hunt – 8
She was a calming presence in Australia’s back four, handled everything France threw at the Matildas well and was rarely sloppy in possession.
Cool under pressure as the French launched numerous offensive attacks and engineered some essential clearances.
Missed her chance to be an Aussie hero in penalties but Cortnee Vine made sure it was the next chance.
Alanna Kennedy-8
Looked unusually erratic early on and cut a clearance that allowed Kadidiatou Diani almost through on goal. Australia survived and Kennedy redeemed himself with a crucial clearance in the second half of extra time.
Played an uncompromising, hard, old-fashioned form of bruise defense and ended up being one of Matilda’s best.
Alanna Kennedy (right) nearly put Kadidiatou Diani through on goal after making a clearance early in the first half in Brisbane
Steve Catley – 8
Pinned back as France had the best of the opening exchanges, the Matildas full-back ventured forward much more often in the second half as Australia grew into the game.
Rarely misplaced a foot in the game, coming deep into extra time with a crucial clearance that prevented a goal that would have given France victory.
Hayley Raso – 7
Hustle and bustle in an attempt to get the Matildas into the game after a slow start proved to be a constant thorn in France’s side, particularly in the second half. Forced a brilliant save from Pauline Peyraud-Magnin in the second half with a great effort.
She looked exhausted when she had 104 minutes on the clock and who could blame her?
Katrina Gorrie – 7.5
The Matildas’ midfield dynamo struggled to dictate pace early on, before growing into the game. Played a lovely floating pass for Fowler late in the first half, who deserved a better finish.
Lucky escaped a yellow card in the first half for a reduction on Grace Geyoro, but was booked for a smashing challenge on Sakina Karchaoui that she showed no remorse for.
Her ‘rock the baby’ celebration for throwing home her penalty had thrilled the crowd.
Katrina Gorry (left) was another crucial figure in Australian midfield against France
Kyra Cooney-Cross – 6.5
A solid enough performance in the middle of the park, she threw herself into tackles with abandon but was a little too erratic in possession. Her performance from set pieces gave the French defense headaches on numerous occasions.
Made way for Tameka Yallop late in extra time.
Caitlin Ford – 6
Worked tirelessly to get the Matildas on the front foot, but her attempts to create meaningful chances were frustrated by a lack of support up front.
Thought she should have been awarded a penalty in the second half after being knocked down by Wendie Renard in the penalty area and informing the referee.
Had a running fight with Sakina Karchaoui and got frustrated at times, swearing loudly after feeling like she was knocked down in the box with no reward. Still as strong as an old boot and helped fend off several chances in an end-to-end effort.
Emily Van Egmond – 5
As with Foord, the experienced striker made a frustrated figure for most of the first half. Starved of possession, she was surrounded by French defenders on the rare occasions when she received the ball.
Made way for Sam Kerr after 55 minutes.
Mary Fowler – 4
Missed two glorious chances to give Australia the lead in the first half when Elisa de Almeida’s superb block took her gaping mouth. Minutes later, she couldn’t get a shot off when Peyraud-Magnin sped off her line to smother her effort.
The French keeper again denied her on the hour mark, when all Fowler could do was shoot straight at her. Things didn’t get any better in the second half, as Fowler opted to disallow rather than take a big chance on goal. Not her night.
Mary Fowler missed two glorious chances to put the Matildas ahead in the first half
REPLACEMENTS
Sam Kerr – 6.5
Still not fit enough to start, Australia’s talisman came on for Van Egmond in the 55th minute and her introduction immediately increased the pace of the game.
She looked dangerous from the start, found space for teammates, picked up the pace and inspired her teammates – but the goal Australia was waiting for never came.
Slot her penalty kick with ease and hopefully she’ll be ready for 90 minutes of semi-final action.
Cortnee vine – 5
Came in in extra time at the end of the first half to replace Raso and almost scored with her first touch, but her shot went just wide of the post. Instantly became an Aussie hero with the decisive penalty kick deep in the order. Can force more time on the field in the upcoming important matches.
Tameka Yallop – 5
Replaced Cooney-Cross with just minutes left in extra time. Also converts her penalty when it matters, which at least earns her a few bonus points.