Fans pack Memorial Drive for Matildas v England semi final clash

Adelaide fans turned out in big numbers to see the Australian team’s attempt to write one more page in the history books.

A heartbreaking loss to England will not diminish the valiant effort of a Matildas side that has captured the imagination of a nation.

It was not the fairytale finish for Australia’s women’s football team, but the ever-lasting impact their monumental effort to reach the semi-final would have, was not lost on Adelaide fans.

Thousands of fans packed out The Drive on Wednesday night to cheer on the Matildas, who fought until the final whistle in a (score) loss.

The scenes at The Drive were almost identical as fans packed the stands, validating Premier Peter Malinauskas’ decision to open the venue for the history-making match.

Just hours from kick-off, fans were still riding the highs of Saturday’s nailbiting penalty shootout victory against France in the quarter-final.

Gallery: Adelaide goes mad for Matildas

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The game was expected to spark the biggest midweek night in Adelaide’s pubs and clubs since pre-Covid days, according to Australian Hotels Association SA president David Basheer.

Mr Basheer said venues installed more screens, promoted Matildas drink specials and expected a deluge of customers for the World Cup semi-final.

Adelaide United Women’s A-League coach Adrian Stenta said the Matildas had been accepted “not just by football fans but people from all walks of life and all codes’’.

“I always felt a tournament like the World Cup had the potential to make this kind of significant impact,’’ he said.

Gail Roberts and Margaret Bowden. Picture Kelly Barnes

Daniel and Krupa Bollenhagen with son Finnick getting ready for the Australia vs. England Semi Final at the Fan Festival. Picture Kelly Barnes

Mr Malinauskas had resisted pressure for a national day off eight days after the final if the Matildas were to win the tournament, instead asking for a costing to taxpayers of the proposed public holiday.

This was assessed at $18m, which Mr Malinauskas told The Advertiser would instead bankroll female sporting infrastructure.

There are four Matildas with links to Adelaide United. Local players Charli Grant and Alex Chidiac have each appeared once in the tournament.

Midfield linchpin Katrina Gorry played a season for Adelaide more than a decade ago, while young superstar Mary Fowler signed her first professional contract to play for the Reds.