Matildas vs England: WA fans gather in green and gold to cheer on Tillies in FIFA Womens World Cup semifinal
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Hope turned to despair on Wednesday night as the Matildas bravely went down in the World Cup semifinal — but the overwhelmingly emotion was pride among the thousands and thousands of fans who turned out to cheer them nationwide.
The Lionesses put paid to any hopes of glory on home soil with a 3-1 victory at Stadium Australia.
But the spirit shown by the Matildas throughout the tournament left fans with great hopes for the future.
In Perth, Matildas madness drew thousands of fans to HBF Park and the FIFA Fan Festival in Forrest Place. As the final whistle blew, the devastation was etched on peoples faces.
“I’m sad but very proud of the girls for getting it done and making it this far,” Keisha Hewitt, who was at HBF Park, said.
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Camera IconDeputy Premier Rita Saffioti with kids Grace, 13, Alessandro, 11 and Lucia, 11. Credit: Kelsey Reid/The West Australian
Like many, Joel Kirkbright said he was holding out hoping for a win even as the seconds slipped away with England leading 3-1.
“I was still hoping we were going to miraculously win in the last minutes,” he said.
Fellow Matildas fan Daniel Bughiu tried to take things in his stride, and took some small solace in rooting against England in the final.
“I’m sad they’re not in the final — I guess I’ll have to go for Spain now,” he said.
Earlier, Australia was a sea of green and gold as the nation turned out in force.
Camera IconThe first fans have arrived at HBF Park to watch the Matildas play England in their semi final World Cup match tonight. Alice, 10, and Hazel Bouwer, 7. Credit: Kelsey Reid/The West Australian
At sites across the country, fans raised their voices to get behind the Matildas.
In Perth, the excitement was at fever pitch even before kick-off. Supporters were ecstatic when they heard the news Sam Kerr was starting, with Deputy Premier and Matildas superfan Rita Saffioti among them.
“One of the best things about football is getting together and enjoying it with the whole community,” Ms Saffioti said.
Angela Letendrie said she felt as though she was about to have a heart attack as the 10-minute countdown to kick-off began.
“I’m so proud of them. It’s so amazing what they’ve done for women’s soccer and women in sport in general,” Ms Letendrie said.
Camera IconJohn Mills, Harrison Mills, 10, and Sarah Nielson. Credit: Kelsey Reid/The West Australian
Over at Forrest Place, 30 minutes before kick-off the area was a sea of vibrant green and gold. “It’s so good to see WA getting around the girls. They are my sisters,” Conrad Cameron said.
Shane Simpson was similarly enthused: “They’re awesome. They’re a special team, every player is awesome.”
And 17-year-old Kristina Hopkins, though nervous, was delighted to see everyone getting behind the team. “We love to see the women’s team get this much hype,” she said.
The packed crowds in Perth were mirrored at live sites across Australia, with passionate supporters making their presence felt.
Federation Square in Melbourne was at capacity, with groups of fans who were blocked from entering by security trying to push through.
Camera IconStan Kindness and Roisin Kealy. Credit: Kelsey Reid/The West Australian
There were chants of “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie” from the raucous crowd, with flares turning the sky red.
Chris Walkley and his 12-year-old daughter Kalie arrived at Federation Square at 2pm so as not to miss out on a good spot.
Kalie, who hopes to play like Caitlin Foord when older, said it was incredible to be around other passionate fans.
“I’m really excited but also nervous because England are a very good team and they’ll be hard to beat,” she said.
Amarlie Lilley has loved the Australian team for years, finishing work early to make sure she nabbed a Federation Square position.
Camera IconKristina Hopkins and Arzo Jafari. Credit: Michael Wilson/The West Australian
She said it was exciting to see the rest of Australia finally get aboard the Matildas train.
“It’s great not to be the only one at work that’s staying up at 4am and watching things over on the other side of the world,” she said.
Thousands more were at the FIFA Fan Festival at Sydney’s Tumbalong Park, including Lisa and Tony Pennisi.
They attended successive men’s World Cups in Russia and Qatar and have chased the Matildas across Australia on their 2023 journey.
“They’ve gotten better and better. Their confidence has grown,” Ms Pennisi, 53, said.
“We’ve watched football for many years and honestly you can’t tell the difference (between the men and women) other than a ponytail.”
SEE MORE PHOTOS:
Camera IconFIFA Fan Festival in the City: Fans arrive to see the Matildas take on England. Pictured is Linda Kirika, Ida Palaloi and Grace Kirika. Credit: Michael Wilson/The West Australian
Camera IconThe first fans have arrived at HBF Park to watch the Matildas play England in their semi final World Cup match tonight. Lily Watson, 14, and Bridie Watson. Credit: Kelsey Reid/The West Australian
Camera IconHundreds have packed into HBF Park to watch the Matildas play England in their semifinal World Cup match tonight. Ivy Bishop, 3, came with dad Travis Bishop. Credit: Kelsey Reid/The West Australian
Camera IconFIFA World cup Fan site in Forrest Place for the game between Matildas and England Credit: Lauren Price/The West Australian
Camera IconHundreds have packed into HBF Park to watch the Matildas play England in their semi final World Cup match tonight. Phineas Kompardt, 11, and Niam Shah, 11, with their mums Irina Kompardt and Neha Shah. Kelsey Reid Credit: Kelsey Reid/The West Australian
Camera IconThe first fans have arrived at HBF Park to watch the Matildas play England in their semi final World Cup match tonight. Marc Chester Kiling and Peter Kiling. Credit: Kelsey Reid/The West Australian