Title: Australia Embraces Matildas Fever as Women’s World Cup Captivates the Nation
Date: August 12, 2023 | 6:17pm
Author: Andrew McCurtry, News.com.au
Australia is currently experiencing a nationwide sporting frenzy, with Matildas fever sweeping the country in a manner not witnessed since the iconic 2000 Sydney Olympics. Fans have been flocking to stadiums and live sites across the nation to collectively witness and celebrate their nation’s success in the Women’s World Cup, leading to record-breaking television ratings.
Saturday night’s quarterfinal match, which happened to be the longest shootout in FIFA World Cup history, is sure to further escalate the already soaring TV ratings. While the official ratings for the game are yet to be released, it is evident that the numbers have been consistently climbing with each passing match.
The Matildas’ round of 16 victory over Denmark recorded over 3.5 million viewers in Australia on Channel 7 alone, making it the highest-rated TV show of 2023 so far. This astounding figure surpasses the viewership of every NRL Grand Final and State of Origin since 2016, as well as five out of the previous seven AFL Grand Finals. Additionally, countless others would have been streaming the games via Optus Sport or witnessing the action at live sites, showcasing the unprecedented support for the Matildas.
Videos of people tuning in to watch the games have flooded social media, capturing the enthusiasm and excitement gripping the nation. However, one notable video from popular broadcaster Jacqui Felgate showed an airplane passenger watching “Lord of the Rings” instead of the Women’s World Cup. The contrast between this solitary individual and the rest of the exuberant fans reflected the collective nature of this sporting moment and left many questioning why anyone would want to miss out on such a historic event.
The fervor surrounding the Women’s World Cup extends beyond TV viewership, as even the AFL commentators covering a game had to witness the Matildas’ shootout. Pictorial evidence shared by AFL Media’s Michael Whiting showcased coaches from Adelaide Crows and Brisbane Lions huddled around a phone, delaying their press conferences to catch the final moments of the match. From coast to coast, a sense of pandemonium and celebration has taken hold, uniting fans from different states in supporting the Matildas.
With their recent victory over France, the Matildas have advanced to the semi-final for the first time in their history. Their next challenge awaits as they prepare to face England, currently ranked fourth in the world, in the World Cup semi-final at Stadium Australia on Wednesday night. While the task ahead is no easy feat, the Matildas have already overcome impressive opponents and are determined to make their mark on the international stage.
Australia’s collective support for the Matildas has reached unprecedented levels, surpassing all expectations and creating an unforgettable moment in the nation’s sporting history. As the excitement continues to build, the hope is that even the solitary “Lord of the Rings” enthusiast will join the rest of the country in celebrating if the Matildas make it to the final, ensuring that this extraordinary journey is experienced by all.