Matildas’ belief sky-high as hype builds ahead of England semi-final
The Matildas are taking the biggest moment in Australian football history firmly in their stride as anticipation builds ahead of their Women’s World Cup semi-final against England.
On Wednesday night at Stadium Australia, the Matildas face England’s Lionesses for a spot in the final against Spain.
The sellout game is tipped to smash TV records set earlier this tournament, live sites have popped up across the country, and pubs and restaurants showing the game have been booked out well ahead of time.
The Matildas believe they can go all the way to the Women’s World Cup final. Getty
There have even been reports of Matildas fans taking advantage of a leaked access code to snap up tickets reserved for England supporters.
But it’s business as usual for the players, with a traditional game day walk in Sydney ahead of their huge night.
Midfielder Katrina Gorry will win her 100th cap on Wednesday, which is also her daughter Harper’s second birthday, celebrated with her teammates in camp.
Australia will feel primed to deliver, backed by a passionate crowd that has helped lift them through to the final four.
A run of friendly wins against fellow semi-finalists England, Spain and Sweden, as well as vanquished quarter-final opponents France, preceded Australia’s golden run on home soil – most of which has taken place without the services of skipper Sam Kerr.
It’s given the Matildas the belief they can go all the way.
“I remember coming in after the French game, the friendly before the World Cup, and we were all in the change room and Sam said, ‘I think this is a time now that we’re all really together and this is the time that we can really believe that we can go all the way’,” goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold told reporters.
“Because
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