The Matildas will play in their first World Cup semi-final at 8pm AEST on Wednesday, aiming to secure a spot in the Women’s World Cup final.
This will be the game that stops the nation, so here’s everything you need to know before they take to the pitch.
The Matildas play England in the semi-final at Olympic Park on Wednesday.Credit: Getty
Who are they playing?
The Matildas are up against England, their highest-ranked opponent in the tournament so far.
While you might think the Ashes rivalry has continued into the World Cup, Matildas players are adamant their semi-final match-up is just another game.
But don’t be fooled by their calm demeanour – this is the biggest challenge Australia has faced, and not just because it’s a semi-final.
England are the reigning European champions and they’re ranked No.4 in the world.
England’s Alessia Russo celebrates after scoring a second goal against Colombia in the World Cup quarter-final.Credit: AP
However, the Lionesses will be without breakout star Lauren James, who is serving a two-match suspension for stamping on Nigeria defender Michelle Alozie in the round of 16. And they’re also without captain Leah Williamson, who is sidelined with a knee injury, as are fellow standouts Fran Kirby and the Beth Mead, the Euro 2022 player of the tournament and top scorer.
Another thing we should mention – the last time these two countries played, in a friendly in April, Australia won 2-0.
It’s the only mark against Sarina Wiegman’s 37-match winning record as England coach and the team have been eager to downplay the loss, saying they weren’t at their best.
Who will take the field?
We are yet to see starts from several Matildas players, including Kyah Simon, who coach Tony Gustavsson selected knowing she wouldn’t be able to play unless Australia went deep into the tournament. But the team’s ability to rally, and win, without Sam Kerr has highlighted the depth of this Australian squad.
As for the Lionesses, they might be without some of their star players, but their squad is lethal nonetheless – they haven’t dropped a game all tournament, and for the 10 goals they’ve scored this World Cup, they’ve only conceded two.
Players to watch
Where is the game and how can I watch?
The game will be played at Stadium Australia (Accor Stadium) at Sydney’s Olympic Park – roughly an 80,000-seat venue.
As with all the other Matildas matches, tickets are sold out, which means you can keep clicking refresh on that FIFA website all you like, but chances are if you haven’t got a ticket by now you’ll need to find somewhere else to watch it.
There are a bunch of live sites in Sydney and Melbourne that are screening the game.
If you want to watch the game from the comfort of your couch, you can turn to Channel 7, 7+ or Optus Sport.
Where to next?
The winners of both semi-final matches will play for the cup in the final at 8pm AEST on Sunday in Sydney.
On the other side of the draw, Sweden and Spain are fighting it out in the other semi-final. Their match is at 6pm AEST on Tuesday in Auckland. You can catch Tuesday’s game on Channel 7, 7mate, 7+ or Optus Sport.
The losing teams from the two semi-finals will play off for third at 6pm AEST on Saturday night in Brisbane.
