Tonight, Australia’s Matildas are set to face England in a pivotal semi-final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 at Stadium Australia.
Channel 7 is geared up for extensive coverage, with the broadcast headed by 7SPORT’s Mel McLaughlin and seasoned broadcaster Bruce McAvaney.
The duo will be complemented by experts including Elise Kellond-Knight, Heather Garriock, and Izzy Christiansen, along with host Adam Peacock and commentators Grace Gill and David Basheer.
The Matildas, under coach Tony Gustavsson, are poised to make strategic selections for the match. Gustavsson, in a recent media interaction, emphasized the importance of “consistency” and “team chemistry” in a tournament.
While a fit-again Sam Kerr boosts the team’s chances, several Matildas players, including Kerr, Steph Catley, Caitlin Foord, Mary Fowler, Alanna Kennedy, and Mackenzie Arnold, have the advantage of playing in the English WSL, making them familiar with England’s team.
Notably, the Matildas have a victory over England, having defeated them 2-0 in a friendly match last April.
The match strategy, as stated by Gustavsson, focuses on beginning robustly but ending even more dominantly. This involves careful consideration of the starting XI and the final players, especially if the game extends to extra time or penalties.
I’m so over this sport and I hope they loose and we don’t want a public holiday to glorify them !