Mackenzie Arnold began the Ladies’s World Cup largely unknown by the Australian public however finishes it a nationwide hero.
The Australia goalkeeper was immense within the 2-0 loss to Sweden within the bronze medal play-off at Suncorp Stadium after a memorable event.
The Matildas went into halftime 1-0 behind however may simply have conceded three or 4 targets had it not been for Arnold’s heroics in aim.
There’s a stoicism and resilience about Arnold that captivates.
She has a steely look in her eye and an ironclad willpower to do herself and her teammates proud.
Her 4 clear sheets earlier than the 3-1 loss to England within the semi-final have been proof of that.
Within the bronze medal play-off she was known as on to make a diving save within the first minute from a vicious shot by Sweden’s Stina Blackstenius save first minute.
She made two extra incisive claims within the air inside the primary 12 minutes because the Matildas have been underneath siege.
Arnold swatted away a shot by Sweden captain Kosovare Asllani within the fortieth minute and did nicely to problem Blackstenius into error after a poor again go by Clare Polkinghorne.
She made a vital diving save in further time within the first half when Fillipa Angeldal appeared sure to attain.
There was nothing Arnold may have executed concerning the two targets Sweden scored – one from a penalty the place she dived the appropriate means and the opposite a elegant end within the high nook by Asllani.
Among the largest roars from the group have been for Arnold touches of any variety.
The 29-year-old West Ham goalkeeper solely grew to become a daily starter this 12 months for the Matildas and is now one of many first picked.
The Matildas have been defensively frail towards Sweden and it was clear that Arnold missed the presence of her defensive basic Alanna Kennedy who was dominated out of the conflict with delayed concussion signs from the quarter-final towards France.
There isn’t a doubt Arnold can be a pillar the Matildas look to construct their subsequent World Cup marketing campaign round.
