Australia
Mackenzie Arnold The classy goalkeeper was Australia’s most important player. She pulled off two immense saves to keep the Matildas in the game, including one in the second half of extra time and was a commanding presence throughout – including the penalty kicks. Player-of-the-match performance. 9
Steph Catley A quiet first half by her standards with a number of misplaced passes. Lifted her game noticeably in the second half, thwarting Kenza Dali, whipping in dangerous crosses from the left and combining better with Caitlin Foord. 7
Alanna Kennedy The central defender was nearly punished for an early mistake when she tugged on Kadidiatou Diani’s shirt, only to see the French forward draw her shot wide. Did well to keep France at bay in the second half and extra time, often putting her body on the line. 7
Clare Hunt Struggled, as did the rest of Australia’s backline, in the first half but put in a timely tackle to deny Diani in the second half and showed more composure as the game went on, and on. In the end did exceptionally well to help secure the clean sheet. 7
Ellie Carpenter Came up against most of her Lyon teammates, including Wendie Renard, Eugénie Le Sommer and Selma Bacha. They got the better of her in the first half but Carpenter still managed her trademark runs down the right. 7
Kyra Cooney-Cross Struggled in the first half, a handful of sloppy passes putting teammates under pressure. She did regain some control in the second half as Australia pressed forward, but was taken off late in the second half of extra time. 7
Katrina Gorry The midfielder played a deeper role in the first half, sweeping in front of the back four. She was on to the loose balls but lost possession too often in the first half. Put in a stunning through ball to find Mary Fowler just before the break and improved in the second half. 7
Emily van Egmond Too easily hurried off the ball in the first half but did well to set up Fowler for what was so nearly an Australia goal. Replaced by Sam Kerr in the 55th minute. 6
Hayley Raso Showed so much hustle down the right as she battled with Sakina Karchaoui. Forced Pauline Peyraud-Magnin into a big save with a super strike from the edge of the box. Replaced by Cortnee Vine in this first period of extra time. 7
Caitlin Foord It was clearly France’s plan to stifle Foord, knowing the star Matildas’ form. Defenders swarmed her every touch, with Foord unable to collect the ball under pressure. She found some space on the counter, particularly when Kerr was introduced, and dropped back to help in defence. Endless energy. 7
Mary Fowler Took until the 16th minute to touch the ball, but from that moment Fowler was everywhere. Came agonisingly close to putting Australia ahead just before half-time when her effort was cleared off the line by Élisa De Almeida, then denied a second time when Peyraud-Magnin rushed to smother her effort. Fowler was first on the loose ball, with almost every chance falling her way. 8
Substitutes: Sam Kerr The Matildas superstar made an immediate impact when she set up Raso. Showed no signs of a calf niggle as she caused France’s defenders some anxiety. 7
Cortnee Vine Introduced as the Matildas looked to add pace and energy. Nearly made the breakthrough, but just couldn’t turn in a cross from Foord. Scored the final, match-winning penalty to send Australia through. 7
Tameka Yallop Brought on for Cooney-Cross late into extra time as penalties loomed and made no mistake from the spot. 6
France
Pauline Peyraud-Magnin The Juventus goalkeeper had a few nervy touches in the first half, flapping at the ball and not collecting when she had time to do so. She left De Almeida to save her blushes when caught well off her line but redeemed herself when she rushed from goal to smother Fowler’s later attempt. Pulled off several more crucial saves in the second half. 7
Sakina Karchaoui The PSG left-back was everywhere in the first half, directing traffic going forward and enjoying a huge battle with Raso. Did well to sniff out the danger and put her body on the line to intercept Foord’s second-half effort. 8
Elisa De Almeida Kept the score level at half-time when she saved a certain goal. With Peyraud-Magnin caught out, Fowler’s attempt looked destined for the back of the net, before De Almeida slid in to clear off the line. 8
Wendie Renard The tallest outfield player at this World Cup, Renard was unsurprisingly a huge presence. The Lyon mainstay and France captain was composed, controlled and a serious threat at every set piece. She was also immense in the face of Australia’s attacking onslaught. 7
Maelle Lakrar Known for her versatility and enjoyed plenty of the ball in the first half, but she should have put France ahead early when her effort from right in front of goal flew over. A monumental miss and huge let-off for Australia. 6
Selma Bacha A huge occasion for Bacha, coming up against her club-mate Carpenter, and she matched it with a huge game. Her interplay with Karchaoui was dangerous going forward, she whipped in sizzling crosses and caused plenty of problems for the Matildas’ defence. 8
Sandie Toletti The Real Madrid midfielder made some storming runs through the right channel and got stuck in physically in the second half. Replaced by Vicki Becho in the second half. 6
Grace Geyoro The PSG midfielder barely touched the ball for the majority of the first half but frustrated Australia in midfield as both teams continued to arm wrestle into extra time. 7
Kenza Dali The playmaker has been vital for France this tournament and got the better of Catley in the first half. She often drifted inside, on occasion trying her luck from distance. She won a handful of important turnovers and was dangerous in the latter stages of the second half. 7
Eugénie Le Sommer France’s all-time leading goalscorer provided a cool head in the box, constantly keeping defenders on their toes. She dropped into the No 10 role, took the game to Kennedy and Hunt, and came away a bit battered and bruised. 7
Kadidiatou Diani The formidable Diani is a focal point for the France attack with her versatility and dangerous runs into channels. She nearly punished Kennedy for a mistake early on, doing well to stay on her feet before pulling her shot wide. A constant threat. 8
Substitutes: Vicki Becho The teenager used her pace to close down Catley’s attempt at a cross and was busy from the moment she came on. 7
Solène Durand The goalkeeper replaced Peyraud-Magnin with moments to go, with the match heading to penalties. 6
Ève Périsset Came on for De Almeida late in extra time. 6
