Mackenzie Arnold saved three Thailand penalties in a nerve-jangling 3-1 shootout success as the Matildas advanced to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup final after a dramatic 2-2 draw in normal time.
Australia had been on the brink of a shock exit before Alanna Kennedy buried an equalising header in the 91st minute of a rollercoaster semi-final.
Thailand then survived extra-time despite Wilaiporn Boothduang’s earlier red card, but Arnold came to the fore in the resulting shootout as the favourites averted what would have been a big upset.
Arnold had endured a difficult evening up until the spot-kicks, having played an unfortunate part in the two Thailand goals that overturned the Matildas’ 17th-minute lead, which came courtesy of an own goal.
Alen Stajcic’s side refused to be beaten, though, and will now contest a third successive Asian Cup final against either Japan or China PR.
The decider will be held at Amman International Stadium at 3:00am AEST on Saturday morning.
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