Matildas, Lionesses old rivalry

So two more sleeps until the Matildas take on England’s Lionesses, from our oldest sporting rival, in a game that until now has not been at the centre of Australia’s sporting pantheon. It is now, thanks to the Matildas’ performances throughout the World Cup, especially their thrilling encounter with the French mamselles in Brisbane on Saturday evening.

The nil-all main game was as competitive as any State of Origin rugby league clash on the same turf. So were the two heart-stopping 15-minute blocks of extra time that had fans counting the seconds. Then came the piece de resistance.

The penalty shootout was as compelling as a split-second Olympic swimming relay finish, a Test match with a handful of runs and a single wicket at stake in the last over, or a Melbourne Cup photo finish.

The energy and spirit of both sides was outstanding, with the Matildas, deservedly, winning by the narrowest of margins as Cortnee Vine made history with the last goal, sending Australia through to our first semi-final in a soccer World Cup.

Can they go on from there? If the team fires as well on Wednesday night, especially goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold, who blocked the French onslaught with skill and calm, we’re in with a great shot to put the Lionesses in their place. Captain Sam Kerr, injured on the eve of Australia’s opening game, is powering back to full fitness at just the right time.

The Cup has been ultra successful and is taking soccer in Australia to new levels. But regardless of who is in next weekend’s final, it does not warrant a public holiday, as Anthony Albanese is proposing to the states in the event of a Matildas triumph.

It cannot be justified in economic terms, especially for small businesses that would be forced to pay exorbitant penalty rates for essential staff.

As the World Cup builds momentum, support for the Matildas is uniting Australians as great sporting events do.