Five World Cup games so far have been highlight-filled for the Matildas
History awaits the Matildas on Wednesday night.
A FIFA World Cup semi-final showdown with England puts the Australian side one step away from what has been a two-year end goal since coach Tony Gustavsson took the reins as coach.
All the training, the planning, the preparation has put captain Sam Kerr and the mighty Tillies on the verge of the final.
There have been challenges and obstacles, some heartache and some magic moments on the way.
The path to glory is never easy in a World Cup, but through five games so far, the Matildas have shown themselves to be made of the sternest stuff, especially in the heart-stopping penalty shootout that brought the nation to a standstill and put them on the precipice of greatness.
THE OPENER
Matildas def Republic of Ireland 1-0, Stadium Australia, Sydney
It was the calf injury that broke the internet and left 75,000 Matildas fans in stunned silence, yet Sam Kerr’s injury setback didn’t break the Aussie spirit as the tournament hosts kicked off their campaign with a scrappy 1-0 win over the Republic of Ireland.
Nothing came easy for Australia in front of a record crowd at the Olympic Stadium, yet they found a way to get the job done thanks to a moment that set the tone for the rest of their World Cup.
With the midfield struggling to create chances up front, it felt like a set piece was the only way that they were going to break through for a goal. Then it was a foul in the box that paved the way for Steph Catley to smash home the opener from the penalty spot in a delicious dose of foreshadowing.
There were some nervy moments at the end but the final whistle eventually blew, sparking an avalanche of green and gold hysteria where people started to ask if something special was
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