Matildas participant rankings: See which Australian stars excelled and who struggled in World Cup quarter last towards France

Here is how Every day Mail Australia rated the house group.

Mackenzie Arnold – 9

Appears to be like a distinct participant from the one who conceded three targets towards Nigeria and got here up clutch within the penalty shootout after 120 minutes of sport time. 

France did not actually check her till the second half of additional time, when she pulled off an excellent save to disclaim Vicki Becho and hold the Matildas within the sport. Needed to thank her defence for bailing her out a couple of minutes later, when she may solely palm Grace Geyoro’s cross away.

Shocked Matildas followers by lining as much as take a penalty shot, which was blocked. Controversially had a save denied however was ice chilly in knocking out the repeated penalty which performed an enormous half within the last outcome. 

Mackenzie Arnold pulled off a vital save within the second half of additional time

Ellie Carpenter – 6

Struggled early on as France dominated proceedings and by no means fairly settled into the sport and her last balls had been typically discovered wanting. Was caught in possession twice within the second half, however the Matildas survived. Nonetheless, performed her function within the line of defense because the Matildas saved a clear sheet as soon as once more. Stood up with a significant penalty because the pictures went deep into the squad.

Clare Hunt – 8

A relaxing presence in Australia’s back-four, she dealt effectively with all the pieces that France threw on the Matildas and was not often sloppy in possession. 

Cool underneath strain because the French launched loads of attacking raids and got here up with plenty of very important clearances. 

Missed her probability to be an Aussie hero in penalties however Cortnee Vine made certain of it the following shot.

Alanna Kennedy – 8

Seemed unusually erratic early on, slicing a clearance which nearly allowed Kadidiatou Diani by on objective. Australia survived and Kennedy redeemed herself with a vital clearance within the second half of extra-time.

Performed an uncompromising, hard-bodied, old school model of bruising defence and ended up as one of many Matilda’s finest. 

Alanna Kennedy (proper) virtually allowed Kadidiatou Diani by on objective after slicing a clearance early on within the first half in Brisbane

Steph Catley – 8

Pinned again as France had the higher of the opening exchanges, the Matildas full-back ventured ahead way more typically within the second half as Australia grew into the sport. 

Not often put a foot unsuitable within the sport and got here up with a significant clearance deep into additional time that prevented a objective that may have handed France the victory.

Hayley Raso – 7

Hustled and bustled in a bid to get the Matildas within the sport after a gradual begin and proved a relentless thorn in France’s aspect, significantly within the second half. Compelled an excellent save from Pauline Peyraud-Magnin within the second half with an ideal effort.

Seemed exhausted as she got here off with 104 minutes on the clock and who may blame her? 

Katrina Gorry – 7.5

The Matildas’ midfield dynamo struggled to dictate the tempo early on, earlier than rising into the sport. Performed a pleasant floated move for Fowler late within the first half, which deserved a greater end.

Fortunate to flee a reserving for a reducer on Grace Geyoro within the first half, however was handed a yellow card for a crunching problem on Sakina Karchaoui that she confirmed no regret for.

Her rock the newborn celebration for slotting residence her penalty had the group in raptures. 

Katrina Gorry (left) was once more a vital determine in Australia’s midfield towards France

Kyra Cooney-Cross – 6.5

A strong sufficient efficiency in the midst of the park, she threw herself into tackles with abandon however was barely too erratic in possession. Her supply from set items induced complications for France’s defence on quite a few events.

Made manner for Tameka Yallop late into additional time. 

Caitlin Foord – 6

Labored tirelessly to get the Matildas on the entrance foot however her efforts to create any significant probabilities had been annoyed by an absence of assist up-front. 

Felt she ought to have had a penalty within the second half after being hauled down within the field by Wendie Renard and let the referee find out about it. 

Had a operating battle with Sakina Karchaoui and grew annoyed at occasions, swearing loudly after feeling she had been introduced down within the field with out reward. Nonetheless, powerful as an outdated boot and helped repel a number of probabilities in an end-to-end effort. 

Emily Van Egmond – 5

As with Foord, the veteran striker minimize a annoyed determine for many of the first half. Starved of possession, she was surrounded by France defenders on the uncommon events she obtained the ball.

Made manner for Sam Kerr after 55 minutes. 

Mary Fowler – 4

Missed two wonderful probabilities to present Australia the lead within the first half, as Elisa de Almeida’s excellent block denied her with the objective mouth gaping. Minutes later she could not fairly get a shot away as Peyraud-Magnin rushed off her line to smother her try.

The French keeper denied her but once more on the hour mark, when Fowler may solely hit a shot straight at her. Did not get any higher within the second half, with Fowler electing to dish off as a substitute of taking a powerful probability on objective. Not her night time. 

Mary Fowler missed two wonderful probabilities to place the Matildas forward within the first half

SUBSTITUTES  

Sam Kerr – 6.5

Nonetheless not match sufficient to start out, Australia’s talisman got here on rather than Van Egmond with 55 minutes performed and her introduction instantly raised the tempo of the sport.

She seemed harmful from the phrase go, discovered house for teammates, lifted the tempo and impressed her teammates – however the objective Australia was ready for by no means got here.

Slotted her penalty shot with ease and can hopefully be prepared for 90 minutes of motion within the semi-final. 

Cortnee Vine – 5

Got here on on the finish of the primary half in additional time to interchange Raso and virtually scored together with her first contact, however her flick was simply large of the submit. Turned an immediate Aussie hero with the deciding penalty kicking deep down the order. Might command extra time on the pitch within the essential video games to return.

Tameka Yallop – 5

Changed Cooney-Cross with only some minutes left in additional time. Additionally transformed her penalty shot when it mattered which provides her not less than a few bonus factors.