This is the third time the Matildas have made it to the final in an Asian Cup.

In one of the most anxiety inducing games to date for Matildas fans, we saw an uncharacteristically lacklustre performance from a side that won 5-0 in Perth only a few weeks ago.

But an equalising header from Alanna Kennedy in injury time was the second chance the Matildas needed to redeem themselves.

The Matildas rallied together in a penalty shootout with Steph Catley, Elise Kellond-Knight and Sam Kerr all finding the back of the net during penalties and Mackenzie Arnold’s three penalty saves cementing our spot in the final against Japan.

1. IT WASN'T PRETTY – BUT THEY DID IT

No matter whether you are the greatest Matildas fan on earth, you would admit that this game was not an indication of the way they usually play.

They conceded this themselves, with injured star Caitlin Foord echoing the sentiments of most when saying she was embarrassed at the Matildas disjointed performance in the first half of the game.

Amy Harrison joined, saying “Thailand just look like they want it more than us.”

Simply, it was not a team we were used to seeing and definitely not an outcome we were expecting when considering their undefeated history against Thailand.

Tweets from Elise-Kellond Knight, Alanna Kennedy and Sam Kerr all followed the same theme.

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