NOS Voetbal•vandaag, 06:16
Mike Wijers
correspondent Australia
Mike Wijers
correspondent Australia
World Cup madness in Australia for its own football players: ‘Reaction in the country is insane’
None of the Matildas can still walk normally in Australia. After the spectacular victory of the football players over France in the quarter-finals of the World Cup, the whole country is looking forward to the semi-final on Wednesday morning. Then the Australian women will face England in Sydney in a sold-out Stadium Australia.
Two other stadiums in the city – the Sydney Football Stadium and the Western Sydney Stadium – are opening for the thousands of fans who could no longer get a ticket, where they can watch the game on big screens. Screens have also been set up in other major cities.
Records
The tournament in Australia and New Zealand is now world record breaking champion. It is by far the largest women’s sporting event ever held.
For the first time, 32 national teams in the southern hemisphere will compete for the world title. And never before have so many tickets been sold at a Women’s World Cup: the counter now stands at more than 1.7 million, while FIFA had hoped for around 1.3 million before the start of the tournament.
EPACortnee Vine (5) blasted Australia from the spot to the last four
The quarter-final between the Matildas, as the Australian football players are nicknamed, and France set an Australian viewing figure record. More than 5.3 million people, out of a population of more than 25 million, followed the game on television.
Some estimates put that number as high as 7 million, if the people watching in the pub are included. That is more than the finals of rugby or cricket, which are usually the most popular sports in Australia.
For the first time in Australian football history, an Australian team has reached the semi-finals of a World Cup. 83,500 spectators are expected on Wednesday at the game between Australia and England at Stadium Australia, another record.
Green and yellow illuminated
In Australia, no one can escape the hype surrounding the football tournament. During the quarter-final, deafening screams went up from streets across the country as the Matildas won the penalty shootout against France.
There is also no escaping the ‘Matilda mania’ in the streets. The iconic Sydney Opera House is illuminated in green and yellow. Last week, a mural by the team appeared at Bondi Beach, the famous beach in Sydney.
Pro ShotsThe mural at Bondi Beach in Sydney
Politicians are also enthusiastic about the national team, affectionately known as the ‘Tillies’. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese encouraged them during the game against France and gave captain Sam Kerr a pat on the back afterwards. If the Matildas win the World Cup final, it will probably be celebrated with a national day off.
For football commentator and longtime fan Sam Lewis, a dream come true. She works for the national broadcaster ABC and is a presenter of the football podcast ‘The Far Post’. “The past few weeks have been real roller coaster. It feels too good to be true, it’s like a fairy tale.”
‘Never say die’
When it comes to her beloved Matildas, she speaks exclusively in superlatives. “This squad represents who we are as a nation. They give everything, they fight, they have passion. They are true heroes who are an embodiment of their motto”never say die’. That means they never give up.
Australian media coverage of football has always been less than rugby and cricket, while football, few people know, is the most played sport in Australia.
“For a long time it was difficult for a sport like football to get enough attention while on grassroots level more football is played than any other sport. But that has now completely changed,” says Lewis. “There is no news bulletin that did not open with the success of the Matildas.”
AFPAustralian star player Sam Kerr in action against France
The influence of the world championship on home soil is therefore invaluable, says Lewis. “This World Cup has made people realize that women’s football is incredibly exciting, heartbreaking and heroic. It captivates people regardless of the gender of the players. Only now is women’s football in Australia seen as equal to men’s.”
The dream of becoming world champions is getting closer for the team that is number ten in the FIFA world rankings. “After that quarter-final against France, I believe the Matildas are capable of reaching the highest level. They gave everything they’ve got, and that’s exactly what champions do,” said Lewis.
National pride
During a friendly tournament, they won 2-0 against England in April, where the Dutch national coach Sarina Wiegman is at the helm. That gives many Australians confidence that their team will make it to the final.
“The Matildas have the momentum, they’re the national pride,” says Lewis. “Honestly, I wish the England team the best of luck. Because they’re not just facing 11 players on the pitch, they’re facing an entire country.”
Australia-England live on NOS
Australia will take on England in the second semi-final of the World Cup on Wednesday at 12:00 Dutch time. The preview of that game can be seen from 11.30 am on NPO 1, NOS.nl and the NOS app.
The winner of the game will face Spain in the final. It will be played on Sunday at 12 noon. That match can also be followed live on the NOS.
2023-08-16 04:16:05
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