Where you can watch the Matildas v England semi-final in Melbourne
AAMI Park and Federation Square will be transformed into fan zones for the Matildas’ massive clash against England. See the details.
Victoria
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Melbourne’s biggest soccer stadium will be transformed into a Matildas’ fan fortress as Australia unites behind its barnstorming national women’s team.
AAMI Park will be opened to spectators to watch Wednesday night’s historic FIFA Women’s World Cup semi-final against England on big screens.
Fans will not require a ticket to the free event with seating dictated on a first-in basis.
But while Victorians watch on screens, the semi final and final will both be staged in Sydney.
Sports-mad Melburnians slammed Premier Daniel Andrews who bizarrely took to social media to trumpet the fact AAMI Park would screen the Matildas-England match while Sydney staged the main event.
“Should have done more to ensure that these big international games were held in Melbourne,” sports fan Zac Daquiri said on Twitter.
“So called sporting capital.’’
There were epic scenes on Saturday night, as fans watched the Matildas advance to the final four of the tournament for the first time at live sites and loungerooms around Australia.
Similar scenes are expected on Wednesday, with thousands more to flock to the CBD and inner city pubs and Federation Square for the official FIFA Fan Festival.
Veteran Matildas defender Clare Polkinghorne said on Sunday the support from fans was “incredible”.
“We’ve always had belief in this group, for everyone else to start believing in us is really something we’ve been wanting for a long time,” Polkinghorne said.
“We couldn’t be any prouder of the way the Australian public has got behind us.”
Gates will open for the AAMI Park screening at 7pm.
Dozens of venues across the city have confirmed they are almost booked out to capacity for Wednesday night’s blockbuster clash, with hundreds of fans on waiting lists.
However, Rod Laver Arena will not be a live site due to the Boomers vs the World basketball series.
And the MCG will not air the game due to the AAMI Park event.
Major sporting shops have sold out of most of its Matildas’ merchandise including scarfs, supporter jerseys and other items.
But fans can still ignite their passion for the game with their very own Sam Kerr face mask in Wednesday’s Herald Sun.
Australian Hotels Association chief executive Paddy O’Sullivan said Victoria’s pubs were stocking up to host soccer fans to cheer on the Matildas for World Cup glory.
“Everyone should head on down to their local pub to join in the carnival atmosphere and watch the matches on the big screen with a few beers,” he said.
James Gallagher, owner of Jimmy O’Neill’s Whiskey & Alehouse in St Kilda and Prahran’s Naughty Nancy’s bar, said his venues had been “inundated” with calls about the semi-final.
“Both venues will be open and it’s going to be extremely busy, it’s going to be a great game,” Mr Gallagher said.
“It’s been brilliant to see fans support the Matildas and we hope they can make it into the final, they deserve it.”
Polkinghorne said recovery was key to the team’s success.
“They’re a world-class team and they’re going to be very difficult to come up against,” she said.
“But we’re definitely looking forward to the challenge and we know if we play to our potential we’ve got belief in what we can do.”
Opposition Leader John Pesutto said he was disappointed that Melbourne was not hosting the semi and final games.
“I’m very happy for AAMI Park to be a viewing platform for Victorians who are all excited as we all should be,” Mr Pesutto said.
“It really would have been great if Melbourne were hosting the semi or the final. And we’re not.
“We all wish the Matildas well. For our part we would love in future to see Melbourne and Victoria host these big ticket events.”
A state government spokesman said every Victorian was backing the Matildas to go all the way and win the World Cup on home soil.
“Fans will be able to watch the match for free at AAMI Park and Federation Square – hopefully witnessing history as the Tillies win their way to a first World Cup final.”
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