Live updates: FIFA Women’s World Cup quarterfinals: Matildas vs France

(Getty)

It was a tense start to this quarterfinal for the Matildas. Similar to the Denmark game, there was a nervousness to their opening 15 minutes: trying to feel the other team out, not wanting to make mistakes, not wanting to extend themselves too far.

Ironically, it was that hesitation that invited France into the game, sending wave after wave of attack down the left side. France and Australia mirror each other in a lot of ways, particularly in terms of their structures, which is almost cancelling one another out.

The midfield battle is a tight one, with Katrina Gorry a particular force, but France know that both Caitlin Foord and Hayley Raso are the danger-women for the Matildas and have done well to press them out of the game and force the play elsewhere.

They’re struggling to create serious chances in front of goal because of it, with France constantly knocking on the door, especially from corners. Thank god Mackenzie Arnold is in the form of her life, she’s kept Australia in it so far.

From Sam Lewis at Brisbane Stadium