Australia v France
In a penalty shootout which saw 20 penalties taken, host nation Australia booked their ticket in the semi final for the first time at the Women’s World Cup. Australia found victory over France, with the final penalty score line 7-6.
Australia progress onto the next round and will face the winner of England v Colombia in the semi final.
Tactical Analysis: Australia
Australia lined up in the 4-4-2 formation which they have kept throughout the tournament. They made no changes to their starting lineup from their 2-0 win against Denmark in the Round of 16.
Steph Catley and Ellie Carpenter started in the fullback positions with both players playing high and wide to help on Australia’s attack, as well as joining the defensive line on France attack. This allowed Australia to make full use of both players’ attacking and defending qualities, using both to move the ball down the channel and trying play wide around France. When Ellie Carpenter took a high and wide position, Katrina Gorry was able to move into the space she had left to collect the ball and move it in the central areas.
Australia were able to keep a wider set up when defending France, but used the movement of the team in attempts to overcrowd them. When the play was on one side of the pitch, Australia would move towards that side. However, this did not make their formation narrow and try to break down the threat that France posed.
Emily van Egmond and Mary Fowler led the attacking line in the centre forward position, with Australian star striker Sam Kerr not yet to make the starting lineup at the 2023 World Cup due to injury.
Throughout the first half Australia had many chances on goal, testing the French goalkeeper. They were unable to find a solution in their set pieces to score the first goal of the match, with France’s goalkeeper clearing any dangerous balls out of the box.
To combat the threat that France captain Wendie Renard posed in corner set pieces, Australia committed seven to eight players into the six yard box to try and minimise any chance of the defender scoring a header from a corner. This proved to be successful in the first half, with the ball being cleared from corners.
Moving into the second half, Australia needed to bring a new life to their attack. In the 55th minute, Emily van Egmond made way for Sam Kerr. Sam Kerr immediately inspired new momentum among Australia, setting up a chance which could have been a goal from her first touches. She used her pace and skill to make attacking runs, and was a threat in France’s box. From the second half began, Australia had more shots at goal, however were unable to find a way past the French goalkeeper.
Australia were unable to find a goal in the second half whilst also denying France the opportunity to score. Trying to find the winning goal, Courtnee Vine replaced Hayley Raso however Australia looked to be struggling to keep the French out in the early minutes of the half. Despite this, Australia found chances to create attacking runs. A save by Mackenzie Arnold in the 106th minute denied France a chance to find a winner to book their place in the semifinals
Penalty Takers
- Caitlin Foord – scored
- Steph Catley – missed
- Sam Kerr – scored
- Mary Fowler – scored
- Mackenzie Arnold – missed
- Katrina Gorry – scored
- Tameka Yallop – scored
- Ellie Carpenter – scored
- Clare Hunt – missed
- Courtnee Vine – scored
Tactical Analysis: France
France opted to keep their 4-4-2 formation which they have used throughout their 2023 World Cup Campaign. Renard only maked one change to his starting lineup, with Maelle Lakrar returning to centre back. Elisa De Almeida moved to right back after starting at centre back in their Round of 16 match against Morocco, replacing Eve Perisset.
Wendie Renard and Maelle Lakrar resumed their centre back pairing. Captain Wendie Renard is a key player in France’s defensive line, using her height to clear any high balls and physical strength to move players off the ball. France’s defence ensured that they were able to clear the attacking threat that Australia could pose whilst also moving the ball up the pitch to try and create an attack themselves. France’s fullbacks Elisa De Almemida and Sakina Karchaoui were both able to play high and wide to join attacking movements.
France were unable to find the back of the net throughout the match, having many chances on goal but none successful. Their most convincing chance was a shot outside the penalty area by Kenza Dali which soared over the bar. Trying to inspire new movement in midfield, Vicki Becho replaced Sandie Toletti.
Moving into extra time, Wendie Renard scored a header from a corner set piece. However, VAR denied France their winning goal, disallowing the goal due to a foul on Caitlin Foord in the box. France kept their attacking momentum throughout extra time making attacking runs and putting pressure on Australia. Both teams had many chances throughout extra time but either were unable to find a game winning goal, taking the game to penalties. France had a last minute chance through a corner, but were unable to convert.
France made a change of goalkeeper in preparation for penalties, with Solene Durand replacing Pauline Peyraud-Magnin. Alongside her, Eve Perisset replaced Elisa De Almeida.
Penalty Takers
- Selma Bacha – missed
- Kadidiatou Diani – scored
- Wendie Renard – scored
- Eugenie Le Sommer – scored
- Eve Perisset – missed
- Grace Geyoro – scored
- Sakina Karchaoui – scored
- Maelle Lakrar – scored
- Kenza Dali – missed
- Vicki Becho – missed