Mary Fowler denied certain goal by French defender’s absurd heroics

Australian fans couldn’t believe their eyes when a Matildas star was denied what looked a certain goal by one star’s absurd heroics.

Mary Fowler cruelly denied goal

Australia withstood a French barrage to kickstart their quarterfinal campaign.

The opening thirty minutes of the contest at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium saw the Matildas defend their own line again and again.

After soaking up the early pressure the Matildas pressed forward and if not for a piece of brilliance from Élisa De Almeida, the Aussies would have been on top.

Mary Fowler had the best chance of the match turned away after a phenomenal effort from De Almeida.

A cross from the goal line from Hayley Raso was blocked by a defender, with Emily van Egmond getting to the ball first after the deflection.

The ball into the box dragged French goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud Magnin out and van Egmond found Fowler with the goal seemingly wide open.

But De Almeida came from the clouds to push the ball over the crossbar on the deflection.

ELISA DE ALMEIDA WITH A GOAL SAVING BLOCK 🤯🇫🇷

Mary Fowler thought she’d scored. So did the whole nation.

Watch 📲 https://t.co/NthWa1caY5#FIFAWWC#OptusSportpic.twitter.com/Ehj5WN7oG0

— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) August 12, 2023

The moment left Fowler burying her face in her hands and left Australian fans watching on in utter disbelief.

“Fowler, perhaps thought she had a little bit more time than she had. Great defending,” Grace Gill said on Seven.

“She’s not going to get a better chance in this World Cup, you wouldn’t think, Mary Fowler,” David Basheer added.

At halftime, former Socceroos John Aloisi said: “An incredible opportunity here. The keeper comes out a little bit early and Emily van Egmond does it brilliantly here to cut it back for Mary Fowler. She did note see De Almeida there. She thought hit the target and it is a goal.”

Channel 7’s Trent Copeland wrote: “My god. What a save as a scrambling defender for France.”

Another user added: “HOW DID THAT NOT GO IN.”

Mary Fowler cruelly denied goal

Minutes later, Fowler had another golden opportunity after a near perfect lofted through ball, but she couldn’t get a strong touch on it.

The unbelievable save came after France squandered a golden opportunity in the early stages after a corner fell to Eugenie Le Sommer, her effort bounced to the feet of Maelle Lakrar well inside the six-yard box.

But Lakrar somehow missed, giving the Matildas a lucky break.

The two nations went into the rooms tied up at 0-0 after the opening half with all eyes turning to the bench and when Sam Kerr would be brought into action.