At the end of a thrilling match, Norway defeated Australia after a penalty shootout (1-1, 4-1 on penalties). They will face the winner of the England-Cameroon match.
Australia undoubtedly experienced one of the most challenging matches they have had to play. After a very strong first ten minutes, the Matildas saw the Norwegians take control and respond. It was actually the Scandinavians who opened the scoring half an hour into the game, thanks to Isabell Herlovsen (1-0, 31st minute).
Ten minutes later, on a harmless cross, Norwegian central defender Thorisdottir deflected the ball with her arm while leaning over (42nd minute). The match referee, Ms. Hussein, blew the whistle for a penalty. But after a few seconds of hesitation, she went to consult the VAR screen, then canceled the decision. Surprising.
After the break, the Australians pressed on, and an hour into the game, Sam Kerr retrieved a ball lost by the defense and equalized, but the goal was disallowed for offside (60th minute).
The end of the match became frantic, and as Norway was (too) focused on preserving the 1-0 lead, Australia equalized with a direct corner from Elise Kellond-Knight (1-1, 83rd minute) which no one managed to deflect.
In the final minute of added time, Graham Hansen crossed into the box, but her attempt hit the post and then crossed the goal line (90+3rd minute)!
The extra time began, with Norwegians and Australians both exhausted. The situation became even more complicated for the Matildas when Alanna Kennedy was sent off for a foul as the last defender (105th minute). Immediately afterward, Boe Risa attempted a long lobbed shot that hit the crossbar (105+3rd minute).
The spectators at Allianz Riviera (12,229 that night) held their breath until the end, and thus came the penalty shootout, which was fatal for Australia. Kerr missed her initial attempt, followed shortly by Gielnik, while Norway didn’t miss any of their attempts and thus secured their ticket to the quarter-finals.
Norway will face the winner of the England-Cameroon match, which will be played tomorrow at 5:30 PM.
