Fans flock to live sites as Matilda-mania takes over

Chris and Kalie Walkley were among thousands of fans gathering at live sites across Australia. (Diego Fedele/AAP PHOTOS)

Fans decked out in green and gold are filling live sites across the country, ready to cheer on the Matildas in their do-or-die clash with England. 

More than 80,000 people are expected to pack Stadium Australia on Wednesday night for the Women's World Cup semi-final, while thousands more will watch from designated locations like Melbourne's Federation Square.

Chris Walkley and 12-year-old daughter Kalie arrived at the venue 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 Tillies for years, even finishing work early to make sure she nabbed a Federation Square possie.

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.

Melbourne's AAMI Park is another of the country's arenas being transformed into a live site.

Shelly Knight, a self-described casual Matildas fan who's passionate about women's sport, made sure she was first there for a seat. 

"Of course I'd love us to win but it's not all about winning - just as long as they do the best they can," she said.

Hundreds more are at the FIFA Fan Festival at Sydney's Tumbalong Park, including 19-year-old Sophie Fry who arrived at 9am to buy one of the few remaining Matildas jerseys.

"It would be so cool to win," she said.

"To get through to the grand final at a home World Cup - it would be really amazing."

Brisbane's Lisa and Tony Pennisi attended successive 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."

Jennifer Kuehn and her family travelled to Sydney from Seattle to watch the United States take the cup. 

But after Sweden knocked them out, they switched allegiances to the green and gold.

"I think it's going to be tough for the Matildas to pull it off because England are pretty good," she said.

There are dozens of other fan zones across Australia, including at Perth's Forest Place where Matildas star Sam Kerr is the hometown hero.

Millions are also expected to tune in at home after nearly 12 million watched the Matildas' previous matches from their lounge rooms.

Green and gold scarves remain in high demand, with merch sales on eBay Australia up more than 2600 per cent.

"With Australia taking on the world and inspiring the next generation of women and girls in sports, it’s great to see the nation get behind their home team with unwavering support," company spokeswoman Zannie Abbot said.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remains committed to a public holiday should the Matildas win the World Cup.

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