The Matildas’ win had an entire country holding its breath – now comes the real test for Australians

#TheMatildas #win #entirecountry Australia held its collective breath for one night. Live sites across the country were about to explode. Bookies crowded into green and gold bars, drinking beers anxiously. Melbourne has opened its stadiums to tens of thousands of fans. In Australian rules and rugby league matches, fans watched the penalty shootout on their phones and even on big screens. Even on airplanes, every screen was glued to the game. Roosters and Dolphins h99LeViSbj — Michael Giardina August 12, 2023 Cortnee Vine had support of nation when she sent Matildas to semi-finals of World Cup for first time, with 20th penalty kick in an unbearable shootout. After more than two hours of intense anxiety, crowds gathered in every corner of the country, from small regional towns to Sydney's Darling Harbour, sprang to their feet, raising lovers and children into the air. Tears flowed. From a Coonabarabran pub 7hSQe0p4xx — jazz August 12, 2023 Those lucky enough to be in the sellout crowd of nearly 50,000 at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium roared with delight. A boy screamed with joy as beloved forward Sam Kerr took off his shirt and handed it to him in the stands. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese walked onto the field in his Matildas scarf, grinning like a Cheshire cat, with Sports Minister Anika Wells crying by his side. Hours earlier, he had given an ultimatum to French President Emmanuel Macron. How about a bet? "If Matildas wins tonight, you will support Australia in the semi-finals. If Equipe de France wins, I will support France. Deal?" Sunday morning, it was done. "Nothing personal against our British friends, but betting is betting," Macron wrote. “Good luck Australia for the semi-finals!” By many measures it was the greatest sporting moment in Australian history. According to figures of the rating agency ÖzTAM, TV broadcast on Kanal Seven was watched by an average of 4.23 million Australians. Only Cathy Freeman's gold medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics captured the country so en masse. Nearly 70,000 fans were at MCG to watch critical match between Carlton and Melbourne as it was in final weeks of AFL season. But when Matildas came to long-running conclusion of match, they were crammed into members' bar and watching penalty shootout on TV. The AFL could wait. after promotion Melbourne - Carlton AFL at the MCG before March. We totally missed the first quarter but it was worth it! !

Category