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'This is epic': Matildas win thriller after 'pathetic' penalty controversy

Teagan Micah (pictured left) saved a crucial penalty before the Matildas celebrated (pictured right) a stunning goal from Mary Fowler.
The Matildas advanced to the Tokyo Olympics semi-final after a thrilling penalty save from Teagan Micah (pictured left), followed by a stunning goal from Mary Fowler. (Images: Channel 7/Getty Images)

Aussie goalkeeper Teagan Micah's penalty save sparked a crazy five-minute turnaround that saw the Matildas defeat Great Britain in a roller-coaster match in the women's football quarter-final.

Aussie superstar Sam Kerr equalised late in the match to send the game into extra-time after the Matildas and Great Britain finished 2-2 after 90 minutes.

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But in a controversial moment in the first half of extra-time, Great Britain were awarded a penalty for what appeared to be minimal contact in the box.

VAR didn't intervene, much to the shock of many, and Great Britain had the chance to go up in extra-time.

However, in what was a wild minute of football, Micah saved the penalty to her left.

The save sparked a quick counter-attack and the Matildas charged up the other end before 18-year-old Mary Fowler scored a wonder strike to send the Matildas ahead.

Football fans around the nation erupted in what was described as a 'rollercoaster' few moments.

Moment later, Kerr scored her second to give the Matildas a remarkable 4-2 lead with 15 minutes to go.

Great Britain piled on the pressure and scored one back through a brilliant strike from superstar Ellen White.

But, a tired Matildas outfit held on to send fans around the nation into raptures.

Matildas fans fume over 'pathetic' penalty controversy

One moment that had fans fuming was the penalty awarded to Great Britain.

Fans were left wondering why VAR didn't intervene when it appeared little contact was made in the box.

The Matildas will now play Sweden in the semi-final, having lost to them in the group stages 4-2

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