Yes I know Banyana Banya is out (thanks Netherlands!), but now my support is fully behind the Matildas, they're kicking ass! Thanks to the Guardian for this overview of a killer match:: Gone were the ghosts of France 2019. The nightmare in Nice of four years ago – when the Matildas departed the last World Cup after a penalty shootout – a distant memory.

This time around, Australia’s performance may have summoned demons for the French themselves, with the host nation keeping their World Cup dream alive for another game after a dramatic 20-penalty shootout.

You would have been forgiven for thinking this was a summer World Cup in balmy Brisbane, and even when the sun went down the heat did not dissipate for a second as Australia and France fought for a spot in the semi-finals over more than three hours. The game teetered back and forth. Regulation time ended goalless, as did 30 minutes of extra-time, and an epic penalty shootout was required to separate these two sides.

In her first World Cup, substitute Cortnee Vine stepped up as Australia’s 10th penalty-taker to become the Matildas’ hero as she sent them through to the semi-finals for the first time in the team’s history – and as the first host nation to make the last four since 2003. In Sydney on Wednesday they will face England, 2-1 victors against Colombia.

With the crowd on their feet, Matildas goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold raised the roof at Brisbane Stadium by saving the first penalty of the shootout from Selma Bacha. Caitlin Foord scored hers, and Australia were tangibly in front for the first time. But it was short-lived, with the next from Steph Catley saved. The drama of the shootout was just beginning.

Arnold saved a second, smacked her own spot-kick into the upright, then saved a third – twice, as the first had to be retaken after she left her line too early. Knowing a goal would win the game, another World Cup debutant, Clare Hunt, who was probably not expecting to be called on to take a penalty, had her shot saved. But after France’s Vicki Becho hit the post, Vine sealed the deal with a nerveless effort.