That victory gave Australia the confidence that they could achieve something great, and also instilled greater faith in coach Tony Gustavsson, who had faced considerable skepticism during his nearly three years leading the "Matildas". When Australia faced the French women's team again in today's quarter-final (August 12), the positive memories of that win returned.
Australian newspapers highlighted Mary Fowler's solitary goal in that match. ABC News looked back on Tony Gustavsson's arduous journey since taking over as Australia's coach in late 2020, aiming to ease the pain of the team's defeat at the 2019 World Cup, where they lost to Norway on penalties in the round of 16. It was also noted that, despite France being considered superior in terms of class, ranking, and skill, Australia had the support of an increasingly passionate home crowd and the return of captain Sam Kerr. This is in addition to the outstanding performances of Hayley Raso, who has scored 3 goals in the tournament; Caitley Foord, Steph Catley, and Mary Fowler herself, the hero of the victory against France nearly a month earlier. A fervent craze for women's football has erupted in Australia.
The Australian team is relying on the experience of Sam Kerr (center).
How did Hervé Renard, the coach of the French women's team, explain that defeat? "We've only been in Australia for four days, the players haven't slept well because of jet lag. But this quarter-final match will be different," Renard said in the pre-match press conference. France currently has the third highest number of goals in the tournament, with 12, and although they haven't reached their best form (that's how the French press describes the national women's team right now), we can certainly expect a highly exciting match, as both teams are eager to go further. Australia has never gone beyond the quarter-finals, and France has only reached the semi-finals once, in the 2011 World Cup (they lost to the USA in that round and finished fourth). Now, would you choose Australia or France in a match that might not even be over in 90 minutes?
In the other quarter-final match, it's not Colombia, making their first-ever appearance in the quarter-finals, who are under immense pressure, but England. The reigning European champions are not only considered the favorites due to their experience, having reached the Women's World Cup quarter-finals for the sixth time in history, but also because of the quality of their squad, the star power, and the fact that women's football in England is among the highest in Europe and the world . This pressure is further intensified by the fact that England hasn't lived up to expectations. They struggled to overcome Nigeria on penalties in the round of 16, and will be without star player Lauren James due to a needless red card in that match. Replacing her will be difficult, given her significant contributions (3 goals, 3 assists). Colombia could certainly pose a challenge to England, who haven't won any of their last three knockout matches (1 draw, 2 losses).
Spain and Sweden will meet in the first semi-final of the 2023 World Cup. Spain defeated runners-up Netherlands 2-1, while Sweden beat former champions Japan 2-1.
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