Matildas reach the Semi Finals of Tokyo 2020

The Matildas have made history tonight, defeating Great Britain in a 4-3 nail-biter, sending them to their first-ever Olympic semi-final.

A precision header from Alanna Kennedy, a brace from skipper, Sam Kerr, along with a goal for teenager, Mary Fowler, secured the semi-final berth for the Aussies.

"I can't explain how proud I am to be a part of this team and to lead this team out. Every day they surprise me, " Kerr shared after the intense match-up.

"We've got kids out there, we've got Mary [Fowler] who is 18 and I'm just so proud of everyone."

Another newly capped Matilda to put on the performance of her life was Teagan Micah in goals.

https://www.gettyimages.com.au/detail/news-photo/kyah-simon-and-teagan-micah-of-team-australia-celebrate-news-photo/1331451585


She made seven saves in the match, the joint-most by any goalkeeper in a game at this Olympic Women's tournament so far.

Kerr, who is now the equal highest goal scorer for the Matildas, praised her team for being able to beat some of the world's greatest, despite the challenges of not being able to play together for an extended period.

"I haven't seen some of these girls for two years and then we come out here and we play against teams who have been playing together for so long."

Solid as a rock, Alanna Kennedy blocked three shots during the match, the most by any Matildas player in an Olympic Game since the beginning of 2016, while Hayley Raso was a workhorse, making seven crosses in open play, the second-most by any Matildas player this Olympics.

Alanna Kennedy #14 of Team Australia celebrates after scoring their side's first goal during the Women's Quarter Final match between Great Britain and Australia on day seven of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Kashima Stadium on July 30, 2021 in Kashima, Ibaraki, Japan. (Photo by Atsushi Tomura/Getty Images)


When asked if she had any messages for those watching at home, Kerr thanked Aussie fans for their support, saying the team felt the love.

"We feel the love from home and we're doing everything we can to make you proud. I hope you all felt it today, so let's go the mighty Aussies."

The Matildas will face Sweden in a semi-final showdown on Monday, August 2, 9:00 pm AEST.