Matildas lose FIFA World Cup semi-final to England in heartbreaking fashion
Australia’s historic World Cup run has ended in heartbreaking fashion, with missed chances and defensive lapses bringing Australia’s dream to an end. Re-live the incredible journey here.
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The exhilarating ride Australia didn’t want to get off crashed into an England wall as the Matildas exited the FIFA Women’s World Cup in heartbreaking fashion.
A Sam Kerr scorcher couldn’t save Australia, as the old enemy claimed a 3-1 semi-final win to advance to Sunday’s decider against Spain.
After nearly six weeks of joy, celebration and anticipation, the journey to the big trophy comes to an end.
The Matildas will play off for third place against Sweden on Saturday in Brisbane.
A rough England team, happy to foul the Matildas to stop their momentum, were jeered throughout the game by the 75,784 fans inside Stadium Australia, who left deflated after their hopes of seeing the first Australian team make a football World Cup final was ripped away.
England took the lead in the 36th minute when Ella Toone smashed the ball into the top right corner from a throw-in set play, and England took that 1-nil lead to the break.
But cometh the hour, cometh the Sam, as Australia’s captain pulled her side back into the contest with a magnificent long-range strike off a counter. With three defenders surrounding her, Kerr unleashed a 95km/h rocket into the top left corner, leaving English goalkeeper Mary Earps crestfallen on her haunches.
But a defensive lapse by Ellie Carpenter allowed Lauren Hemp to pounce for a sharp goal in the 71st minute.
The cruel nature of sport taunted the Matildas as Kerr’s equaliser attempt in the 85th minute went over the bar – she scores nine out of 10 of those chances. The next minute, England countered and Alessia Russo finished her chance and Australia’s hopes.
Nevertheless, sport will never be the same in Australia.
Just as we speak of Cathy Freeman’s amazing Olympic gold medal-winning run two decades later, we’ll talk in revered tones of how the Matildas united Australia in 2023, like no sports team had ever done before.
The gathering of gold-clad fans for a singular sporting event was unprecedented.
A sold-out Stadium Australia was expected, but packed live sites including Allianz Stadium and CommBank Stadium in Sydney, AAMI Park in Melbourne, Sunshine Coast Stadium in Queensland, not to mention the fan gatherings at Sydney’s Tumbalong Park, Melbourne’s Federation Square, Brisbane’s South Bank, Adelaide’s Festival Plaza, Darwin’s Waterfront, Perth’s Forrest Place, Canberra’s Garema Place and Hobart’s Princes Wharf.
All of them shouting, hoping.
And the pubs and clubs across the land where time stood still.
And even with all those preferring the atmosphere outside their loungerooms, the match still broke television viewership records.
The Matildas have harnessed this support and become a force like no other.
Reports suggested their brand has skyrocketed in value five-fold, from $40 million to $210 million in the past month.
But it’s bigger than dollars.
A survey conducted just two months ago revealed most Australians couldn’t recognise a single Matildas player aside from Sam Kerr.
They’re now as familiar as our highest profile NRL and AFL stars.
We’ve seen the fantastic and the bizarre throughout this World Cup.
Whether it was Mary Fowler volleying a pass from Lionel Messi in a television advertisement, Caitlin Foord creating the beat for a song by artist Mallrat by kicking a football, or the nation’s leaders furiously debating whether there would be a public holiday if the side won the trophy.
Australia’s Defence Minister, Richard Marles, jokingly resigned from his post and announced Matildas goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold – a rock in front of the net at this tournament – as his replacement.
Arnold is well aware that her team has transcended sport.
“The legacy we wanted to leave throughout this World Cup, to inspire the next generation coming though, I think we’ve done more than that, we’ve done more than we thought we would accomplish,” Arnold said.
“To see the reaction we’ve received from the whole country has been absolutely unreal, and this is only the beginning, there’s much more to come.”
England coach Sarina Wiegman added: “I’m aware that this is very, very special and that what happens in the growth of the women’s game the level has really grown so worldwide people see what’s going on.
“I hope that helps women in football but women in general too.”
It will.
For years, female athletes have pleaded for attention, equality, opportunity.
The Tillies have shown us that not only can the investment be worthwhile, it can pay off beyond measure.
There was a young generation of Australians watching the match on Wednesday night who had no idea that there ever existed a time people would laugh at, belittle, mock or ignore women’s sport.
Game changed.
90’ TIME TICKS DOWN ON MATILDAS’ CAMPAIGN
Six minutes of injury time for Australia, but it doesn’t appear to be enough to pull off a miracle.
England are closing the game out like the experienced outfit they are.
Australia have tired late, despite injecting the likes of Vine and Alex Chidiac to spark something from the front three.
86’ GOAL! ENGLAND PUT THE GAME TO BED
That will be that – England are surely through to the World Cup final now.
After rebuffing several Australian attacks, England produce a counter attack of their own to kill off this semi-final.
Lauren Hemp slices the Australian defence to pieces with a pinpoint through-ball for Russo, who hits hard into the far corner to break Australia’s hearts.
That was a killer blow from England, and showcased the class of their best players.
83’ KERR PUTS HOT CHANCE WIDE
Was that the chance for Australia?
A delightful cross into the box from Mary Fowler finds Sam Kerr, but this time she doesn’t have the magic touch – her header going high over the crossbar.
Seconds later, Cortnee Vine crunches a chance low and to the right of Mary Earps and forces a fantastic diving save – that almost falls into the path of Caitlin Foord, but not before it is scrambled out of the box by England’s defenders.
Moments later, the ball again falls into the path of Kerr - off a corner - but she shins an effort wide of the goal.The chances are appearing for Australia, but they aren’t able to get past England.
80’ TIME RUNNING OUT FOR AUSTRALIA
There’s 10 minutes to play, and the Matildas are running out of time to get back on level terms.
England are a super composed team, and so hard to break down. They love playing the possession game, and that puts the onus back on Australia to push the tempo.
“They need to start pushing here, applying the pressure,” says Channel 7’s Grace Gill.
“At this rate England will very happy get their foot on the ball and try to slow things down.”
71’ GOAL! ENGLAND BACK IN FRONT AFTER HORROR ERROR
It’s disaster for Australia, and joy for England as Lauren Hemp puts the visitors back in front after a calamitous error at the back by Ellie Carpenter.
Carpenter will have nightmares about that one, as she fails to control the long-ball into the box. She doesn’t clear, and Hemp pounces, calmly slotting it past Mackenzie Arnold.
That’s sucked the life out of the Stadium Australian crowd, and the Australians are speechless.
Sam Kerr looks on in astonishment at the stunning blunder by her defence.
It's a mistake at the back from Australia and England hit the lead! ðŸ¦
— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) August 16, 2023
Ellie Carpenter can't clear. Lauren Hemp makes them play.
Watch 📲 https://t.co/ld3UegzwLk#FIFAWWC#OptusSportpic.twitter.com/nfVwdQBAXw
SAM KERR THAT IS UNBELIEVABLE 💚💛
— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) August 16, 2023
Matildas level it up at Stadium Australia.
Watch 📲 https://t.co/ld3UegzwLk#FIFAWWC#OptusSportpic.twitter.com/aFsFuPulMS
63’ KERR THUNDERS HOME SPECTACULAR EQUALISER
Oh. My. God.
Sam Kerr has just done the spectacular – levelling the scores in the most extraordinary fashion.
Taking the ball just inside England’s half, Kerr slalomed downfield and drew two England defenders and ignored the support on her left to unleash a sensational long-range rocket.
It comfortably beats England’s Mary Earps and sends the crowd into hysterics.
That’s her first goal of the tournament, her sixth World Cup goal and the 64th time she’s done it for Australia.
Australia needed her to deliver, and they couldn’t have asked for a more world-class shot to do it with.
58’ DAMNING STAT REVEALS KEY TO ENGLAND LEAD
There’s a stat that tells the story of this game even more than the 1-0 scoreline.
After yet another bruising tackle on an Australian, this time recalled defender Clare Polkinghorne, this graphic flashed up on TV coverage.
“Fouls against: England 10, Australia 1.”
It’s been a full-on, aggressive approach from England – a team that has triumphed in the biggest tournaments already, as shown by their glory in the Euros last year.
Australia have been unsettled by the tactic, and haven’t been able to respond to that physicality.
50’ FIRST CHANCE FALLS FOR FOORD
Australia have started positively in the second half, looking to play more of a possession game and it almost delivers dividends straight away.
A magical, curling cross from Mary Fowler floats over England’s defenders and finds Caitlin Foord on the back post.
Foord gets a header away, but she can’t generate any power and it falls safely into the arms of Mary Earps.
Promising signs for the Matildas, but this England defence looks desperately tough to unlock.
'Number one on the list of tactics was 'kick Sam Kerr a couple of times.'' 😳
— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) August 16, 2023
England win the physical battle of the first half.
Watch 📲 https://t.co/ld3UegzwLk#FIFAWWC#OptusSportpic.twitter.com/jPmMqvPI9s
46’: SECOND HALF UNDERWAY
It’s 45 minutes for Australia to keep their magical run going.
Can they overcome the 1-0 halftime deficit? Can Sam Kerr score her first of the tournament?
It’s all to play for. And there’s been a sense of destiny about this squad.
8.55PM: AUSSIE GREAT’S PATH TO VICTORY
How do the Matildas turn around this halftime deficit?
Socceroos great John Aloisi wants to see more from Australia’s speedy wingers, and a greater workrate in general to put pressure on England’s central defenders.
“I think we’re sitting off too much. I think at the moment, their three centre defenders are outplaying our two strikers and it’s a lot of work for them to do,” Aloisi said on Channel 7.
“I would like our wingers to be more proactive, to initiate that first press higher up the pitch. If we win that ball, then you will get Mary Fowler and Sam Kerr on the ball a lot quicker.”
HALFTIME: ENGLAND LEAD 1-0 IN SPITEFUL AFFAIR
A feisty half, and one that is ultimately won by England’s experience and ability to convert their chances.
England have perfectly negated Australia’s strengths with physical play in midfield – the likes of Matildas’ star Sam Kerr will have the bruises to show for it – and when a chance fell for Ella Toone, she didn’t hesitate to blast the visitors in front.
And it’s a 1-0 lead that the Lionesses take into the dressing rooms at halftime, as they eye a first-ever World Cup final.
It’s the first time this tournament that Australia have conceded first, and they’ll need to turn things around quickly after halftime – starting with the disjointed combination of Mary Fowler and Kerr, who have struggled to gel in Kerr’s first start of the tournament.
42’ KERR, FOWLER STRUGGLE TO UNITE
Individually, they’re outstanding – and Australia’s two most dynamic weapons.
But it’s just not worked for Mary Fowler and Sam Kerr tonight, with the attacking dynamos struggling to connect in a slightly disjointed first-half.
“Just not quite on the same page there, Mary Fowler and Sam Kerr,” says Grace Gill.
“We saw Fowler put her head down just as Kerr checked her run. Just not quite singing off the same song sheet.”
The Matildas need them to work things out, and fast. Going into halftime 1-0 down will suck the air out of Stadium Australia.
36’ GOAL: ENGLAND GO AHEAD WITH FIERCE SHOT
England are ahead – and that was an unstoppable burst from Ella Toone.
The ball falls into the path of the England No.10 and she doesn’t hesitate, unleashing with a powerful strike that hammers into the top corner.
Mackenzie Arnold could do nothing about that one. And England lead, 1-0, late in the first half.
“Special strike. Nothing on that occasion that Mackenzie Arnold could have been able to do to keep that one out,” says Grace Gill on Channel 7.
31’ RASO FIRES WIDE IN AUSTRALIA’S FIRST CLEAR CHANCE
Australia’s best chance of the match, with a corner dropping to Hayley Raso at the back post – and she fires off a chance that pings off the legs of Lucy Bronze and into the side netting.
The Matildas have ridden England’s physical approach, but must now start to make inroads with their counter-attacks.
Mary Fowler, so influential over the past two victories, has been quieter this evening – perhaps taking more of a back seat as Australia’s attack runs more clearly through Sam Kerr.
ENGLAND SCORE FIRST IN THE SEMI FINAL ðŸ´ó §ó ¢ó ¥ó ®ó §ó ¿ðŸ¦
— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) August 16, 2023
Ella Toone finds the net and what a finish it is.
Sydney is SILENCED. Wow.
Watch 📲 https://t.co/ld3UegzwLk#FIFAWWC#OptusSportpic.twitter.com/arI3LB5IQ4
25’ KERR COPS BOOT TO THE FACE
England is taking the physical approach to this game to new levels – and Sam Kerr is down again after another ‘very questionable challenge’.
Contesting a lofted ball in midfield, Kerr goes up for the header and instead tastes the right boot of Jess Carter – who mistimed her kick.
“It is going to be interesting the way that she skates on thin ice from that point, and again a very questionable challenge. A high boot,” says Channel 7’s David Basheer.
20’ ENGLAND GET PHYSICAL WITH ‘BLATANT’ TACTICS
England are doing anything possible to stop Australia’s speedsters – including ‘blatant’ shoves off the ball as they attempt counter-attacks.
Already Sam Kerr has been scythed down numerous times, resulting in one English yellow card, and Caitlin Foord is also getting the treatment.
As she looked to release down the left flank, Foord was shoved in the back and over the sideline.
She appealed to the referee for another card, but none is forthcoming.
“Just a really blatant shove in the back there from Lucy Bronze,” says former Matilda Grace Gill in commentary for Channel 7.
“I imagine that would have been some of their instruction for players like Lucy Bronze to be a bit rough, be a bit physical with the likes of Caitlin Foord who we know is so effective for the Matildas.”
17’ LIVELY START IN OPEN SEMI-FINAL
It’s early days, but this has been a very open 15 minutes to start this semi-final.
England have managed to get in behind the Australian defence on a few occasions, exploiting the new defensive pairing of Clare Hunt and Clare Polkinghorne, but have had just the one clear shot on target – which was easily dealt with by Mackenzie Arnold.
Hunt, in particular, has been immense this tournament and has once again been confident in recovery defence tonight.
For Australia Kerr, Foord and Raso are using their speed to wreak havoc down the flanks. But it hasn’t translated into chances.
It's a BIG save from Mackenzie Arnold 🧤🧱
— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) August 16, 2023
England threaten early in the semi final.
Watch 📲 https://t.co/ld3UegzwLk#FIFAWWC#OptusSportpic.twitter.com/eqnCvIyAbX
9’ KERR GIVES ENGLAND EARLY WARNING SHOT
Sam Kerr and the Matildas have fired an early shot at England, with a deft pass seemingly unleashing a bulldozing run from the Australian superstar.
Kerr was released into a one-on-one battle with England keeper Mary Earps, who made a fine save to deny the Australian before the sideline official flagged for offside.
Moments later, England’s Georgia Stanway was also through on goal – only to be denied by Mackenzie Arnold.
This time, the flag stayed down but Arnold – Australia’s brick wall – stayed unbroken.
And then the first yellow card of the game - Alex Greenwood chops down Kerr in an ugly tackle to prevent the Australian from sparking a counter-attack.That’s an early yellow card. Greenwood will have to be extremely careful from here on in.
5’ KERR FLOORED WITH FIRST TOUCH
Sam Kerr’s first involvement is a touch in the midfield that results in a clip from England’s Keira Walsh – and sends the Australian sprawling on the halfway line.
She gets up, dusts herself off and gets on with business.
It’s been a lively start at Stadium Australia, with the crowd urging the home side on but sounding a touch nervous.
8.05PM: ‘WE WILL WIN THE GAME IN TRANSITION’
Socceroos legend John Aloisi believes England could play into Australia’s hands with their style – as long as the home side’s midfield brings the heat.
Australia has enjoyed their most success this tournament when facing more fancied teams who have denied them possession – preferring to attack on the counter, with the midfield essential to that flow.
And that means if the likes of Katrina Gorry and Kyra Cooney-Cross can be Australia’s midfield enforcers, and unleash the dynamic front three, it could be curtains for England.
“(England) are a type of nation that like to play their own game, they like to own the game and play the way that they like,” Aloisi said on Channel 7.
“I think that will play into their hands. They are a possession-based team. We will not have much of the ball, and that is a fact, and that is OK, because we play better when we don’t have the ball.
“If we high press them tonight, we might catch them off guard and get a goal. We will win the game in transition. (England’s Millie) Bright likes to play passing into the midfield, sometimes straight balls.
“If our midfielders are ready for that and can win the ball and get their players forward quickly, with Foord, Raso, Kerr, we will hurt them.”
8.00PM: GAME ON, AS LEGEND PREDICTS BLAZING START
The Matildas’ semi-final with England is UNDERWAY!
Before the anthems, there was a nervy walk to the middle for both teams - with Socceroos great John Aloisi noting the neves on display, and predicted a blazing start from the Matildas.
“I can tell you now there were butterflies in the stomachs of both sets of player, and that is normal because this is one of the biggest games they have ever played in,” he said on Channel 7.
“Both teams haven’t been to a World Cup final before, so they will feel it. It is who comes out the quickest and the best.
“We’ve spoken about the first goal how important it is - we have scored the first goal in all of our games, except the last game, but we won on penalties.
“I think we will come out quite quick and fast and try to attack them early.”
7.55PM: SHORT TURNAROUND SUITS MATILDAS: RASO
World Cup goalscoring hero Hayley Raso says the Matildas will thrive on a short turnaround after being pushed all the way to penalties by France.
Raso told Optus Sport before tonight’s semi-final in Sydney against England that the four-day turnaround from Saturday’s win over France would help - not hinder - Australia’s hopes.
“We have recovered mentally and physically. The quicker the turnaround, the better for us. We want to keep going when we’re flying the way we are. We’re all ready for tonight,” she said.
England only played regulation time in its 2-1 quarter-final victory over Colombia.
Raso said having so many Matildas in England’s Women’s Super League would help Australia’s chances of progressing to a maiden final.
“A lot of us know these players well but also we played them very recently. We know what we need to do tonight to get the job done and we’ll make sure we do that,” she said.
This will be fun!! Go Matildas 🇦🇺💪 pic.twitter.com/GJSKokahTK
— Nathan Lyon (@NathLyon421) August 16, 2023
7.30PM: AUSSIE’S SNEAKY GAME PLAN REVEAL
Has Tony Gustavsson signalled his intentions early with the decision to start Sam Kerr?
Injured Matilda Elise Kellond-Knight believes so, suggesting it means Australia want to go hard early and kill off the game as soon as possible.
“By Tony starting Sam he is showing his intention,” Kellond-Knight told Channel 7.
“I think the team will go hard straight from the get-go. We haven’t really pressed teams through this tournament so far but I anticipate we might press England off their goal kick.
I have a feeling we are going to go hard from the first minute.”
Gustavsson predicted tonight’s must win clash with England will be “football war” with both sides having the highest tackle count this World Cup.
“We have two attacking teams out there,” Gustavsson told Optus Sport prior to kick off.
“ England has shown to have a lot of attacking tools left, right and central. We need to be clinical in our defending and we need to be really fast on the break.”
Gustavsson said there was no denying the sold out crowd would help the Matildas get an edge over the English.
“Before this tournament it was all about inspiring and uniting a nation (and) they have, but they’re also on a mission,” he said.
“We have a football game to play now. The fans play a massive role in that with our high octane running football game. We need them to be as loud as ever tonight, and I know they will.”
7.20PM: POLKINGHORNE RETURNS FOR RARE START
By Tilly Werner
Clare Polkinghorne will start her first match of football in over three months, with the central defender last beginning a game in April, just a week after the Matildas defeated the Lionesses 2-0.
While she has been integral in extra defensive efforts off the bench so far through the World Cup campaign, there were plenty of nervous conversations around Stadium Australia and the country with Alanna Kennedy’s illness breaking up her rock solid pairing with Clare Hunt in the centre of defence.
Hunt and Polkinghorne partnered one another through the Matildas’ successful Cup of Nations campaign in February but the relationship Hunt and Kennedy had been building in the defensive third had shaped as one of the team’s most important assets going into the semi-final.
Fortunately for Australia, Kennedy’s illness is not COVID.
7.10PM: CAN KERR GO THE DISTANCE?
To the relief of 25 million people around Australia, Sam Kerr will start for the Matildas tonight
Now what? It will be a mix of nerves and excitement for those at Stadium Australia and, really, everywhere else.
The main question on everyone’s lips is whether Kerr is 100% and can she last the distance?
Kerr punched out a solid 70-minute effort in the epic quarter-final against France, and was spotted in the dressing room with ice packs on both calves in the aftermath of that match.
Just five days later she’s being thrown into the gauntlet from the beginning. Can she last the full 90 minutes? Or even 120, should the match go to extra-time?
These are the discussions Kerr and coach Tony Gustavsson would’ve had this week with the team medical staff, but evidently Australia have prioritised winning in 90 minutes over needed an injection of class at the end of regulation time.
Is it a risk? No question. But this is a World Cup semi-final. There’s no time to live with regrets.
7.05PM: MATILDAS ROCKED, KERR TO START
Tony Gustavsson has dropped a monster selection shock, with superstar Sam Kerr handed a starting role for the first time this tournament.
After days of speculation and images of Kerr with her calf on ice, Gustavsson has opted to start his key striker and captain over Emily van Egmond in the semi-final against England.
Kerr’s tournament has been rocked from the very start when she suffered a calf injury on the eve of Australia’s opening clash against Ireland – before returning for a short-stint in the quarter-final win over Denmark, and a 70-minute shift against France.
Now Kerr has potentially been entrusted with 120 minutes, should the match go to extra-time.
It is a huge win for the Matildas attacking arsenal but up the other end of the pitch, Alanna Kennedy will miss the match through illness, switched out for Clare Polkinghorne in central defence.
The starting side is IN. 🔥
— CommBank Matildas (@TheMatildas) August 16, 2023
Australia, ð’ð¢ðš soon for our Semi-Final 👋#Matildas#FIFAWWC#TilitsDonepic.twitter.com/B8WJe7mHtM
SQUAD NOTE: This morning Alanna Kennedy was ruled out of tonight’s clash due to illness. Alanna will not be in attendance tonight.
— CommBank Matildas (@TheMatildas) August 16, 2023
7.00PM: ENGLAND FUME AT ‘CHEATING AUSSIES’
It seems we’ve gotten under the skin of an entire nation, once again.
England’s newspapers and journalists have reacted as one in response to The Daily Telegraph’s helicopter stunt – which captured exclusive pictures of England’s final training session.
As expected, our old foes fired up the ‘cheat’ headlines and went into meltdown about ‘underhanded methods’.
“The cheating Aussies were up to their old tricks when a helicopter was caught spying on England,” The Sun wrote.
“Manager Sarina Weigman was running her Lionesses through their final training session before today’s big match when it was spotted.”
Meanwhile the Telegraph’s Luke Edwards wrote: “The underhand methods deployed by a prominent Australian newspaper will anger players and supporters alike”.
Reactions were more measured elsewhere but there was a sense of anticipation on the streets of Sydney hours before kickoff and plenty of people sporting the Australian team’s yellow jerseys.
6.40PM: ILLNESS HITS MATILDAS, KERR CALL CONFIRMED
Tony Gustavsson has dropped a monster selection shock, with superstar Sam Kerr handed a starting role for the first time this tournament.
After days of speculation and images of Kerr with her calf on ice, Gustavsson has opted to start his key striker and captain over Emily van Egmond in the semi-final against England.
Kerr’s tournament has been rocked from the very start when she suffered a calf injury on the eve of Australia’s opening clash against Ireland – before returning for a short-stint in the quarter-final win over Denmark, and a 70-minute shift against France.
Now Kerr has potentially been entrusted with 120 minutes, should the match go to extra-time.
It is a huge win for the Matildas attacking arsenal but up the other end of the pitch, Alanna Kennedy will miss the match through illness, switched out for Clare Polkinghorne in central defence.
6.35PM: NO CHANGES FOR ENGLAND
Consistency is the name of the game for England, who come in unchanged after playing a structured match against Colombia, working for possession and controlled passages to goal, with just 10 shots on target for the match.
Australia has a significant speed advantage over the Lioness’ defenders but England will hope Millie Bright will have Sam Kerr’s measure, given they play their football together for Chelsea in the WSL.
Superstar Lauren James remains suspended following her ugly stamp during the round of 16 win over Nigeria.
6.30PM: CAN MATILDAS DETHRONE CATHY IN RATINGS SHOWDOWN?
The Matildas have already created so much history at the World Cup, but can they run down the great Cathy Freeman?
When Freeman won gold in the 400m at the Sydney 2000 Olympics, it was the most-watched event in Australian television history with 8.8 million tuning in.
Can the Matildas do the unthinkable and break that all-time mark in Wednesday night’s semi-final against England in what would be yet another watershed moment for women’s sport?
TAB is running a market with the Matildas at $4.50 to create history and break the ozTAM record and shatter Freeman’s 23-year reign at the top.
“It is difficult to remember the last time Australians were this excited for a sporting event, it has been truly mind-blowing,” TAB spokesperson Nick Smart said.
“There were 4.17 million people watching Australia’s dramatic quarter-final win over France, and that didn’t include all the people watching at pubs, bars and public spaces on a Saturday night.
“The interest has spiked even further off the back of it, and the big question is whether they can break the all-time record that has stood for 23 years.”
TAB is also offering a novelty market for the overall TV rating, with $1.60 on offer for over 5.5 million viewers and $2.20 to be under that.
Ash Barty’s epic Australian Open win in 2022 attracted an audience of 4.2 million.
6PM: MELBOURNE STREET TURNS GREEN AND GOLD
Bayside Melbourne residents have thrown their support behind the Matildas, with Fowler Street in Chelsea renamed “Mary Fowler Street” in a nod to the speedy attacker.
Complete with green and gold balloons, a number of youngsters clad in Matildas gear were spotted having a snap with the new street moniker as they anxiously count down the hours to the game.
5.40PM: ‘GOING TO BE SPECIAL’: MATILDA MUM’S PLEDGE TO B’DAY GIRL
As if they needed any extra motivation, the Matildas will find it in the form of the team’s unofficial mascot: Harper Gorry.
The young daughter of mid-field powerhouse Katrina Gorry, today is Harper’s 2nd birthday. And mum has promised ‘something special’ to celebrate.
Could it be another dominant lockdown of the middle of the field, as Gorry has produced throughout the tournament?
Everybody’s favourite Matilda turns two today 😉🥳#FIFAWWC#OptusSportpic.twitter.com/lg7U8gCJgP
— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) August 16, 2023
5PM: GAME RESPECTS GAME: BOOMERS CLASSY ACT
Everybody knows the Matildas are the biggest ticket in town tonight – even one of Australia’s other favourite sporting outfits.
The Boomers are in their final preparations for the men’s basketball World Cup, playing a warm-up game against Brazil in Melbourne, but they gave a solid hat tip to Tony Gustavsson’s team as they arrived for their clash.
Having already moved the Brazil game forward to 5.30pm, from its original 7.30pm tip-off, to avoid a clash with the Matildas’ showdown with England, Patty Mills and teammates rocked up for their game in replica kits to show respect to the Aussie women.
Mills sported a Cortnee Vine jersey, in honour of the Sydney FC striker who buried the match-winning penalty last Saturday, while teammates had a healthy spread of support for the rest of the team.
The Boomers just rocked up to their clash with Brazil in Matildas kit! 🇦🇺 #FIFAWWCpic.twitter.com/RRATTaKKDK
— TAB (@tabcomau) August 16, 2023
4.30PM: ‘I QUIT’: MATILDA’S HEROICS FORCES MINISTER OUT
Australia’s Minister of Defence Richard Marles has resigned from his post and named Matildas goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold has his replacement.
In a video posted to social media ahead of Australia’s World Cup semi-final against England at Stadium Australia tonight, Marles explains that the keeper is the only person fit for the role.
On Saturday night, Arnold stopped three penalties in a shootout against France to secure the Matilda’s a semi-final berth. She was immediately hailed as the nation’s hero and renamed our new minister of defence.
Yielding to public opinion, Marles was all for the role switch – albeit as a tongue in cheek and short-term decision.
“Since Saturday night I have been inundated with texts and emails there have been calls from the media,” he said.
“I wanted the nation to know I have heard Australia’s message. Tonight our country faces a grave threat and it comes from the old enemy.
“I know I am unable to meet the moment so this afternoon it is my solemn duty to resign as Australia’s Minister of Defence. I’ve handed my commission to Mackenzie Arnold.
“As Australia expects, I know that in this hour, she will do me proud. But tomorrow morning please give me back the keys.
“Go Matildas.”
A message from the Minister for Defence.
— Richard Marles (@RichardMarlesMP) August 16, 2023
And for the record, this is a joke. #TillItsDonepic.twitter.com/xdxLHDeb84
3:30PM MATILDAS STAR FINALLY REVEALS WHY SHE WEARS GLOVES
A Matildas mystery has finally been solved.
For weeks now, curiosity over Mary Fowler’s gloves has been on the up.
Google searches came to nothing, there is nothing in her Manchester City bio about it and
Fowler only added to the intrigue when she refused to reveal the reasoning when asked early on in the tournament.
Why is one of Australia’s best football talents wearing gloves every time she takes to the field – even in hotter climates?
Many just assumed it was a habit because of the cold English weather she plays her club football in.
But no and she’s finally cracked and admitted “it just a bit silly really”.
“The gloves….I honestly just wear gloves because I get fidgety,” she told Mark Schwarzer, who suggested perhaps the gloves were a sign that she really wanted to be a goalkeeper.
“I haven’t told anyone yet.
“Usually I train with a ring on but if its cold I wear gloves and you can’t wear a ring in a match so I wear gloves, it stop me moving around so much.”
1:45PM COACH RAID: MATILDAS MAY LOSE BOSS AFTER WORLD CUP
The Matildas may struggle to retain head coach Tony Gustavsson with one of the most successful coaches in women’s football urging the US Women’s National Team to consider poaching the Swede after Australia’s stunning run at the World Cup.
Jill Ellis, who led the USWNT to back-to-back World Cup triumphs in 2015 and 2019, says Gustavsson has not been given enough credit for what he has achieved with Australia this tournament and must be in the conversation for the US if they look to make a managerial change after their shock round of 16 exit - the worst result in US history.
Gustavsson worked under Ellis during her two successful World Cup campaigns and said she can see remarkable similarities between those US journeys and the path the Matildas have chartered under the Swedish coach’s tenure.
He was never considered to succeed Ellis for the US job in 2019 as the focus quickly turned to popular club coach Vlatko Andonoski, but Ellis says Gustavsson must be on the radar for the US after his performance with Australia.
Gustavsson is contracted with Football Australia until September 2024, locking him in for this World Cup and next year’s Paris Olympic Games.
By becoming the first manager in football history to take Australia to the semi-finals of a World Cup, Gustavsson has earned the right to write his own cheque with Football Australia but even that may not be enough if the world’s biggest superpower comes knocking.
“He should definitely be a strong candidate for the job,” Ellis told ESPN.
“I don’t think people are giving him and his staff enough credit for having navigated most of this tournament without arguably one of the best players in the world (Sam Kerr).
“Most of us as coaches would not have said Australia was even close to being a contender without Kerr, so that’s pretty remarkable what they’ve been able to navigate as a staff.”
Ellis said she could tell from Australia’s warm-up win over France in Melbourne last month that the Matildas were going to be a serious contender in the World Cup.
Gustavsson endured a rocky build up to the tournament as he built depth with a young roster and even adapted the Matildas game style throughout the tournament by finding a way to goal without super striker Kerr.
“I watched them play against France in the warm-up game, and I remember going, ‘This is a well-oiled machine. They’re going to make a deep run in this tournament,’” Ellis said.
“You could just see it -- the way they stepped together and moved together. It just reminded me a lot of our team in 2019. We were a very well-oiled machine, prepared for any situation.”
1:20PM MESSAGES OF SUPPORT FROM AUSSIE HEROES
IAN THORPE - OLYMPIAN AND OPTUS AMBASSADOR
“To our Australian Golden Girls, wishing you the greatest of hope and power for the semi-finals. Above everything you have already won the hearts of the nation, inspired the next generation, and are leaving a lasting legacy for decades to come. I can already see Aussie kids kick-starting their aspirations for Brisbane 2032 after witnessing the greatest sportsmanship this country has seen in a long time. I have not experienced an atmosphere of support, affection and joy like this in a long time. It reminds me of the Sydney Olympics.”
PAT CUMMINS - AUSTRALIAN MEN’S TEST CRICKET CAPTAIN
“It’s really special. Just go out there and enjoy it. It’s going to be a packed house. Millions of people watching. That’s why you start playing any sport as a kid, you want those big moments and I’m sure the Matildas will go out there and kill it.”
ALYSSA HEALY - AUSTRALIAN WOMEN’S CRICKET CAPTAIN
“Embrace it. Embrace every moment of it and enjoy it. I think just watching on from a far it seems like the Matildas have done just that. You look at the moment the other night where Sam Kerr rips off her shirt and gives it to a young girl. I think sometimes you get caught up in winning a trophy and what it all means but it seems like the Matildas have stayed at a point where they understand what this is doing for the game as a whole and I think if you understand that and enjoy every moment it brings some good performances on the park. They can just go out there and play with smiles on their faces and enjoy what they’ve created. Hopefully it will be a good result for them. But what they’ve done for the country as a whole they should be really proud of.”
12:20PM MATILDAS STAR’S BRUTAL SHUT DOWN OF POMMY REPORTER
Mackenzie Arnold was the hero for Australia at the weekend and the keeper was at it again in her pre-semi-final press conference shutting down an English journalist’s questioning.
Arnold stopped three penalties after missing her own in the quarter-final against France on Saturday night with fans renaming her Australia’s new “minister of defence.”
Talking to the world’s media ahead of tonight’s semi-final clash with old foes England Arnold was, once again, a wall.
Vision from the media gathering went viral for tall the right reasons as Arnold shut down an English reporter’s attempt to stir up the rivalry between the two nations.
“Mackenzie these two countries have a traditional and long rivalry,” he said. “I’m sure there are a lot of England fans back home that would l’ve to see them knock you out of your home tournament. Is the idea of being knocked out by England almost unthinkable to you?”
Stone faced, Arnold replied: “Being knocked out by anyone is unthinkable, I think there’s a lot of English people that would like to see them knock us out but I think there’s more Australians that would love to see England knocked out by us.
“We have so many rivalries with so many different countries, this is just another game for us.”
The rest of the room couldn’t help but chuckle.
“I’m sure there’s lots of England fans back home that would quite enjoy seeing England knock you out of your own tournament†is a sentence QF player of the match Arnold had to endure.
— SHE scores bangers (@SHEscoresbanger) August 15, 2023
Her response was even better.
pic.twitter.com/53PUmDxnYD
11:45AM EQUAL PAY? DEBATE RAGES ON
An all-female Sydney sports management agency has demanded Matildas and Socceroos players be paid equally while urging national and global brands to show more respect to Australia’s female players.
Moore Park-based ESE The Agency manages six Matildas, including Cortnee Vine, Hayley Raso and Katrina Gorry, and wants both sporting genders to be treated with equality following the Matilda’s extraordinary World Cup success.
Vine, Raso and Gorry will play the World Cup semi-final against England at a sold-out Stadium Australia on Wednesday night.
ESE’s two managing directors - Leon Spellson and Alexandra Williamson - are becoming increasingly fed-up with international and Australian companies who fail to show female athletes the same respect as male counterparts.
The pay disparity is glaringly obvious for this women’s World Cup when you consider that if the Matildas win the entire tournament, they will share in $6.59m in prize money and receive about $286,500 each.
But the Socceroos, who only reached the round of 16 where Australia won $19.9m last year in Qatar, each took home about $316,000 each under the Football Australia pay deal.
STOP IT
Today is Harper Gorry's 2nd birthday.
— ALM (@TheRealALM) August 16, 2023
Just forfeit @Lionesses. pic.twitter.com/bD4g0PHPZ9
11:15AM MASSIVE BLOW TO SEVEN
We all know the Matildas have re-written the history books when it comes to TV ratings this World Cup but at what cost?
Seven West Media managing director and chief executive officer, James Warburton says that while the company has been utterly blown away by the audience scale for the Matildas, they have missed out on millions in revenue owing to advertising limitations.
“The thing with the Women’s World Cup, is that you got to remember, the audience has been absolutely unbelievable and we’ve loved telling the narrative of this wonderful team – and go Matildas tonight and hopefully all the way on Sunday - but there’s no ads during … play, during extra time, during penalty shootout, so it’s quite limited in terms of its commerciality,” he said.
Seven spent $5 million on the World Cup rights
“It’s exceeded all of our wildest dreams, but it drives our schedule and drives our dominance moving forward because our entire schedule is built around it.”
10:15AM WHO WINS?
All bar one of our experts are backing the Matildas to get the job done tonight. So can England win it?
Here’s what Marco Monteverde reckons.
Prediction: England 2-1. The Lionesses’ are set to spoil Australia’s party by beating the Matildas, who face the tough task of backing up from an exhausting and tension-filled Saturday night in Brisbane. The champions of Europe will also have learnt from their loss to the Aussies in April.
Australia’s key player: The tenacious Katrina Gorry needs to dominate the midfield and be first-class with her distribution if the Matildas are to win.
England’s Key threat: If Gorry is vital to Australia’s hopes, then Barcelona’s Keira Walsh is the key for the Lionesses in an overall midfield battle that could decide the game.
9:45AM IMAGE MATILDAS FANS DON'T WANT TO SEE
It’s the image Australia fans won’t want to see on the morning of the Matildas do-or-die semi-final clash with England.
Sam Kerr with an ice pack on the calf that has cruelled the majority of her World Cup campaign.
The forward sustained the injury on the eve of Australia’s first group game against the Republic of Ireland and has only played a sub role in the last two matches.
Kerr’s calf issue forced her to miss the entire group stage before she featured for the final ten minutes of her side’s 2-0 win over Denmark in the round of 16.
She then came on in the 55th minute of Australia’s quarter-final penalties triumph over France, scoring in the dramatic shootout.
After training on Tuesday, Kerr was spotted walking to the team hotel with an ice pack wrapped around her calf.
Coach Tony Gustavsson was optimistic when asked if Kerr would start against the reigning European champions.
“She [Kerr] pushed through more minutes than we hoped for to be honest,” he said.
“One of the reasons why we kept her on the bench was that we were uncertain how many minutes she had coming back from that calf injury but also the limited training minutes she had.
“The way she pushed through was fantastic and impressive both from a mental and physical aspect.
“She recovered well, she trained today so she’s available.”
After victory over France Kerr said she would have been comfortable starting the match.
She said: “When I hurt my calf, the plan was to always to [try to] be ready for a semi-final, the final.
“So I could have [started vs France], but who knows what could have happened?
“The girls have been smashing it and absolutely dominating.
“I was ready to go, but we’ve had a plan this whole tournament and we just had to stick to it.
“That was part of the plan, to get 20 minutes against Denmark to make me feel better for this game and now with another, what, 65 minutes, I feel better for it and I’ll have more training under my belt.
“So I feel ready to go. I think with everything that’s been going on, the best thing for [the France game] was the plan we did and the plan we followed.”
A NEWSPAPER TAKEOVER
9AM MATILDAS EBAY TAKEOVER
The Matildas have essentially broken any record put in front of them this World Cup.
A TV smash, merch has basically run out and the stadium attendance numbers speak for themselves.
Now they’re taking on e-commerce and after defeating France on penalties last weekend, sales of Matildas scarves skyrocketed 2,650% on eBay, versus the two-days prior, with fans across the nation celebrating the historic quarter-final clash.
As Aussies continue to don the green and gold in support of their home team, data from eBay Australia also reveals that in the last two weeks alone:
The number of sales of Matildas jerseys have increased +450%
The number of sales of Matildas beanies have increased 225%
The number of sales of Matildas soccer balls have increased +50%
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