Matildas fans have been left heartbroken after FIFA World Cup semi-final

Aussie fans have been left devastated but remain proud of the efforts of the Matildas in the FIFA World Cup.

Fans across the country packed out live sites to watch history being made as the Matildas took on England in the FIFA World Cup semi-final in Sydney.

Emotions were high as Aussies hoped to see the Matildas make it through for the first ever appearance by an Australian team in a FIFA World Cup final.

But it wasn’t to be as the Lionesses outplayed the Matildas to win 3-1 to advance to Sunday night’s final against Spain.

There were tense scenes as fans watch on intensely during the semi final. Picture: NCA NewsWire/ Brendan Read

The upset loss against England was felt across the nation. Picture: NCA NewsWire/ Brendan Read

As fans begin to make their way home after the intense semi-final, condolences are flooding in for the co-host country who will now face off against Sweden for a third place spot in Brisbane on Saturday.

Prince William shared his support for the Lionesses but also extended an olive branch to Australia, stating the Matildas had “played brilliantly”.

What a phenomenal performance from the @Lionesses – on to the final! Commiserations to @TheMatildas, you've played brilliantly and been fantastic co-hosts of this World Cup. W

— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) August 16, 2023

Former Socceroos star Craig Foster also gave some words of encouragement to Aussie fans, expressing hope for the future of the sport.

Foster said football in Australia has “only just begun”.

Don’t be too down Australia.

The dream is not over. It’s only just begun.

Congratulations @Lionesses

To @TheMatildas

You’ve made history & captivated an entire nation.

You’ve set Australia & @AlboMP the task of winning World Cups & changed the country.

We love you 💚💛 https://t.co/dJAOvGqB0y

— Craig Foster (@Craig_Foster) August 16, 2023

Sam Kerr was left devastated after the loss to England in the Women’s World Cup semi-final football Picture: Alex Pantling - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who flew into Sydney to watch the match before he jets back to Brisbane ahead of the Labor conference on Thursday, said the Matildas should be proud of their “incredible skill, ferocity and flair”.

👏 @TheMatildas are an absolute inspiration.

You’ve shown incredible skill, ferocity and flair, and a camaraderie that defines what it means to play team sport. pic.twitter.com/khWWWoiV22

— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) August 16, 2023

Stadium Australia in Sydney was sold out – with mainly Australian supporters, but Matildas fans were in force across the country.
The excitement of Australians was most evident in Melbourne, where there were wild scenes as fans knocked down barriers trying to get into watch the game at Federation Square, which was quickly declared at capacity.

Flares and cheers could be seen among the thousands.

The Matildas’ appearance in the semi – after their famous victory against France in last Saturday night’s quarter-finals – was the best performance by Australia in a FIFA World Cup.

Upset Aussie fans will now have to hope the Matildas can win third place when they face off against Sweden in Brisbane on Saturday. Picture: NCA NewsWire/ Brendan Read

Fans watch on intensely during the semi final at Tumbalong Park. Picture: NCA NewsWire/ Brendan Read

Tense moments for fans as the Matildas play against England Tumbalong Park Picture: NCA NewsWire/ Brendan Read

Large crowds at Federation Square in Melbourne Matildas V England game. Picture Twitter

Melbourne fans were also watching the match at The Atrium and The Edge at the back of the Square and AAMI Park to watch the semi on the big screen.

The crowds cheered the Matildas along every second, and when Sam Kerr scored before the 70th minute the atmosphere was electric as fans celebrated.

What a moment 💚💛 Sam Kerr and @TheMatildas score and the crowd erupts in Melbourne @FedSquare tonight during the @FIFAWWC semi-final match ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/gVOFmP7Btc

— Melbourne, Australia (@Melbourne) August 16, 2023

Meanwhile, more than 100,000 fans who made their way to Olympic Park for the game faced a battle to get onto public transport with less than an hour before kick off.

Fans were told to allow for extra time to the ground as public transport was busy.

Public transport chaos has begun with less than an hour before kick off of the FIFA World Cup semi final in Sydney. Picture: Supplied

Excited fans gather at Tumbalong Park in Sydney to watch the semi final on Wednesday. Picture: NCA NewsWire/ Brendan Read

Australia's midfielder Katrina Gorry fights for the ball with England's forward Lauren Hemp during semi-final football match at Stadium Australia in Sydney. Picture: FRANCK FIFE / AFP

But even those who planned ahead faced long lines to board the trains.

Video from Redfern, one of the stations where passengers can catch a train to Olympic Park, showed the chaotic scenes of football fans trying to get on board.

Sydney Trains and NSW TransLink warned there would be more than 100,000 people expected around Olympic Park.

“Extra trains will be running from Central, the North Shore, Strathfield, Macarthur, Liverpool, Schofields and Penrith,” Sydney Trains said.

There is a line that extends all the way to the entrance of platform 11 just to get on the train to Stadium Australia #Matildaspic.twitter.com/rpE6SlyZwT

— Timmy Hutton (@TimmyHutton) August 16, 2023

Matildas Fans Pat Lugowski and Justin Sunderland are watching the match at Tumbalong Park in Darling Harbour in Sydney. Picture: NCA Newswire / Gaye Gerard

Excited fans Isabella Leslie, Jessica Helinski and Tashi Taylor gather at Tumbalong Park. Picture: NCA NewsWire/ Brendan Read

Aaliyah Ferreira, Krystal Sherry, Alexis Stampetta, Belinda Stampetta, Elisa Sherry all from Wetherill Park gather in Sydney to watch the semi final. Picture: NCA NewsWire/ Brendan Read

Lachlan Fenton of Gosford finds a cosy spot to watch the match at Tumbalong Park. Picture: NCA NewsWire/ Brendan Read

Jack Truong, Matthew Mckelvie, Kimberly van der Wulp, Thibault Walker and Pat Campbell at the Park Hotel. Picture: NCA NewsWire/ Brendan Read

Meanwhile, in Queensland, fans attending the King George Square viewing area to watch the match had to wait anxiously after a technical issue, according to the Courier Mail.

Minutes before kick-off the live stream on the big screen came to a halt, with a message from on the big screed read, “You have exceeded the maximum numbers of current streams. Playback is stopped.”

Fatimah Alhuseini, Churia Alattas, Jamilah Alattas of La Kemba celebrate ahead of the game. Picture: NCA NewsWire/ Brendan Read

Will Potter and Johnny Davidson of Marrickville enjoying a beer before the match. Picture: NCA NewsWire/ Brendan Read

Originally published as Matildas fans have been left heartbroken after FIFA World Cup semi-final