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The Matildas have the chance to create Australian football history and advance to the final four of the 2023 Women’s World Cup when they face France in Brisbane. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 5pm (AEST).
Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson asked the nation to trust the process and allow him the time required to build a squad capable of competing deep into the World Cup. That trust has now been rewarded by an impressive run into the quarter-finals and a match-up with France to decide who advances further.
The tournament began slowly for the Australians and a loss to Nigeria put the team in a precarious position heading into the final group game against Canada. From that moment on, the performances have been stunning. A 4-0 win against the Canadians and a 2-0 shut-out of Denmark in the Round of 16 has the team confident and firing.
France drew its opening match of the tournament against Jamaica, before rattling off wins against Brazil and Panama to qualify for the knockout phase. Morocco’s dream run was ended confidently with a 4-0 win in the Round of 16 and the team looks to have been steadily improving the longer the tournament has run.
Despite losing to the Matildas in a warm-up match prior to the group stage, this does look a more polished and efficient unit that will go up against the Aussies tonight.
The locals will use star striker Sam Kerr at some point, having played a cameo role against the Danes and Caitlin Foord and Hayley Raso will almost certainly be the players Gustavsson turns to again in the front half.
France will be looking to Kadidiatou Diani and Eugenie Le Sommer to provide the magic in the attacking box. The pair scored three goals against Morocco.
Prediction
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The Matildas are hot right now and the French have leaked goals during the tournament. There is no doubt around the attacking potential of both teams, yet it could well be defensively where this match is decided.
The Matildas have looked more composed and have the confidence of a recent win against tonight’s opposition. The French have the weapons to win, yet in a cagey knock-out encounter, the Australians will triumph with an extra-time goal.
Game information
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane Kick-off: 5pm (AEST) TV: Channel 7 Streaming: 7 Plus, Optus Sport Betting: Australia $3.50, draw $3.25, France $2.15 – odds via PlayUp
Teams
Matildas
Goalkeepers: Mackenzie Arnold (West Ham), Teagan Micah (Liverpool), Lydia Williams (Brighton and Hove Albion) Defenders: Ellie Carpenter (Lyon), Steph Catley (Arsenal), Charlotte Grant (Vittsjo GIK), Clare Hunt (Western Sydney Wanderers), Alanna Kennedy (Manchester City), Aivi Luik (BK Hacken), Courtney Nevin (Leicester City), Clare Polkinghorne (Vittsjo GIK) Midfielders: Alex Chidiac (Racing Louisville), Kyra Cooney-Cross (Hammarby IF), Katrina Gorry (Vittsjo GIK), Emily Van Egmond (San Diego Wave), Clare Wheeler (Everton), Tameka Yallop (SK Brann) Forwards: Caitlin Foord (Arsenal), Mary Fowler (Manchester City), Sam Kerr (Chelsea), Hayley Raso (Real Madrid), Kyah Simon (unattached), Cortnee Vine (Sydney FC) Coach: Tony Gustavsson
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France
Goalkeepers: Pauline Peyraud-Magnin (Juventus/ITA), Constance Picaud (Paris Saint-Germain), Solene Durand (Guingamp) Defenders: Selma Bacha (Lyon), Estelle Cascarino (Paris SG), Elisa De Almeida (Paris SG), Sakina Karchaoui (Paris SG), Eve Périsset (Chelsea/ENG), Wendie Renard (Lyon), Maëlle Lakrar (Montpellier) Midfielders: Kenza Dali (Aston Villa/ENG), Laurina Fazer (Paris SG), Grace Geyoro (Paris SG), Amandine Henry (Angel City/USA), Léa Le Garrec (Fleury), Amel Majri (Lyon), Sandie Toletti (Real Madrid/ESP) Forwards: Vivane Asseyi (West Ham/ENG), Kadidiatou Diani (ex-Paris SG, free agent), Eugénie Le Sommer (Lyon), Clara Mateo (Paris FC), Naomie Feller (Real Madrid), Vicki Becho (Lyon)
