Territorians give their Matildas semi-final verdict

A Darwin couple’s marriage is set to be tested as Matildas take on England in the World Cup semi final. Read who locals are backing and why.

Matildas fever is running high as the Top End prepares for the biggest game in Australian football history, with the Matildas set to play England.

The World Cup semi final on Wednesday will decide the team to proceed to the final.

Darwin native Charlee Bell, who is married to Englishman Simon, said the Matildas would win for one clear reason.

“Specifically, Aussies do everything better than England,” Ms Bell said.

“(My kids) are currently wearing England jerseys but that’s going to change when they’re old enough to realise what’s going on and I think they’ll be backing mum all the way.”

Couple Simon Bell forward from Hellenic AC and Charlee Bell with their kids son Remy Bell and daughter Marley Bell waiting for the kick off between England vs Australia. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Ms Bell said she hoped Matildas “don’t go to penalties”.

“My anxiety can’t handle that again,” she said.

“(My prediction is) Australia to win 3-2 … it’ll be competitive all the way.”

For some locals, however, green-and-gold will not be the colours of choice as English Territorians gear up for the massive challenge.

Manchester-born Adam Davies said he was confident the game would be tight but England would prevail.

“It’s coming home,” Mr Davies said.

“(The Lionesses) won the European championship so I think we’ve got the best chance out of everyone and (England knows) what it feels like to be a winner.”

Englishman and football fan, Louis Buntin, said he would support England but was happy for his adopted nation too.

“As an Englishmen I will always back England when they play Australia,” Mr Buntin said.

“If the Matildas go through I would be equally as happy (if England did).

“(The Matildas winning) would be massive for football in Australia and especially for the women’s game.”

The Matildas winning the semi-final would be “massive” for Australian football said Englishman and Territorian Louis Buntin.

Mr Buntin said he believed England would emerge victorious.

“England will win purely from the fact they have done this before with winning the Euros,” he said.

“(England) know the pressure of this match but I think they will just nip Australia to the result.”

The Matildas’ and Lionesses will kick-off Wednesday 7:30pm ACST.