Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese backed calls for a public holiday if its team wins the Women's World Cup. The Matildas are through to the semi-finals of the FIFAWWC after a gripping penalty shootout win against France
The Matildas are through to the semi-finals of the tournament, which Australia is co-hosting with New Zealand, after a grippingagainst France on Saturday, with goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold saving three spot-kicks after missing her own.
"I've said that the state and territory leaders should consider it and I know that it's received a pretty warm reception in most quarters," Albanese said in a radio interview with state broadcaster ABC when asked if calls for a public holiday were justified. Australia's federal system means additional public holidays can be called individually by its states and territories, with Albanese saying the issue will be discussed with regional leaders on Wednesday.
Soccer has long lagged other more popular footballing codes like rugby league and Australian rules in the country, with the women's game in particular struggling with sparse crowds and a lack of funding.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Final Four: Australia makes it through to Women’s World Cup semifinals seeking history for MatildasThere will be a first-time winner of the Women’s World Cup this year, and maybe, just maybe, it will be host country Australia.
Read more »
Women’s World Cup: Australia, England advance to semifinals | August 12, 2023Today’s Women’s World Cup match: Australia vs. France and England vs. Colombia. Here are the superstars to look for, the stories to follow and all the details on how to watch.
Read more »
Australia, gritty then giddy, moves on to the World Cup semifinalsAustralia topped France in the quarterfinals to advance at the women's World Cup. The Matildas will meet England next.
Read more »
France coach Renard already plotting Olympic revenge after losing in Women’s World Cup to AustraliaHerve Renard walked away from the narrowest of Women’s World Cup quarterfinal exits and immediately started plotting France’s next opportunity to avenge a loss to Australia.
Read more »
Women’s World Cup: Australia makes semifinals by edging France on penalty kicksThe Matildas, behind ‘a Goliath of a goalie’ in Mackenzie Arnold, win the shootout 7-6 to set up a Final Four matchup Wednesday with England
Read more »