Brisbane, Australia, 13 Aug (Xinhua) -- This is a crazy day for Australians. On the evening of August 12, after ten rounds of penalty shootouts, Australia beat France 7-6 to reach the semi-finals of the Women's World Cup for the first time in history, and goalkeeper Arnold became the biggest contributor.
In this match, the 29-year-old Alexander-Arnold played bravely, blocking a number of France's must-score goals in 120 minutes of regular time and extra time, and trying to keep the goal 0-0. In a suffocating penalty shootout, she saved four goals.
On 12 August, Australian goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold (bottom) saved a penalty from France's Basha in a penalty shootout. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Li Yibo
The match lasted three hours to decide. The suffocating penalty shootout made the air freeze on the scene.
Alexander-Arnold saved the ball of Basha and Perisse, while her own penalty hit the post... Until the ninth round.
Dalí's penalty was saved by Alexander-Arnold, but the referee ruled Arnold moved early and demanded a heavy penalty. Alexander-Arnold again accurately judged the direction of Dali's shot and saved a penalty... In the end, Australia eliminated France 7-6.
When Arnold was named "Player of the Year" on the big screen at Brisbane Stadium, the crowd roared like a tsunami. At that moment, Arnold became a hero in the hearts of Australians.
"It's a feeling I've never had before. I am proud to be Australian. I'm already overwhelmed. I'm happy to help the team and I'm proud of my team. It was a pity to miss the penalty, but I quickly adjusted and continued to do my job. Arnold said.
Coach Gustafson was full of praise for the love general: "Alexander-Arnold is calm, brave and able to concentrate quickly after missing a good opportunity and change the result, I am happy for her. ”
Australian goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold celebrates with his child in his arms after winning on August 12. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Li Yibo
"I didn't make a penalty, but I also saved four, the psychology is too strong!" In the press box, everyone kept describing Arnold's performance as "unbelievable, spine numb, roller coaster, too dramatic".
But few people know that Arnold, who showed great courage on the field, is a hearing-impaired person.
Arnold had hearing impairments since she was a child, but she didn't know how much it would affect her life, and it wasn't until April this year that she fitted her hearing aids.
On April 16, Arnold posted a video on his social media about how he was tested at a British institution on April 15 and installed his first hearing aid.
She wrote: "Those closest to me know that I have avoided this day for a long time, yesterday I went to wear hearing aids, and although it is something I need to get used to, I am grateful for this small adjustment. ”
On the night that the Australian women's football team reached the final four, Arnold's video released 4 months ago was once again viewed by fans, and there were many more warm messages behind, and everyone thanked Arnold for sharing and encouraging: "It is very brave and inspiring to make this public on social media, and you give strength to others." ”
Australian goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold (right) in a penalty shoot-out on August 12. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Li Yibo
This isn't the first time Arnold has talked about his hearing. Last year, a netizen asked her: "Is there anything people don't know about you?" Arnold admitted: "My hearing is not very good, I will not lie." ”
In fact, Arnold did not wear hearing aids in the last quarter-final against Denmark, and her explanation is that if she does, her attention will be diverted from the game because she will fiddle with them too much. "I don't play with them most of the time and I always thought it was normal not to wear them."
Maybe concentration and no distractions are exactly what Arnold needs, and when she focuses completely on the field and blocks out all distractions and noises, she is invincible on the field.
After a 7-6 narrow victory over France, a reporter asked Arnold if Australia would win the trophy? Her answer was unequivocal: "Of course!" ”
Heaven will not always be so unfair, closing a door for you, must open a window for you, and all losses will return in another way. Arnold's story is exactly that.
Source: Xinhua News Agency