Alright people, it’s time to don your green and gold for one of the biggest games in Australia’s sporting history. After Saturday’s tight match against France, no doubt you’ve been following the Tillies closely at home but if you need a refresher, Australia’s national soccer team for women has made it, for the very first time, into the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 semi-final.
The game, which will see the Matildas go head to head with England (also known as the Lionesses), kicks off at 8pm AEST on Wednesday 16 August; and you best believe Melbourne is packing a punch when it comes to live sites where you can watch the showdown unfurl. Read on to scope out all the spots to watch the Matildas in Melbourne:
FIFA Fan Festival
FEDERATION SQUARE, CBD
Live and free in the centre of Fed Square with the big screen as well as extra screens throughout the precinct.
AAMI Park
MELBOURNE
Entry into AAMI Park is free but first-in, best-dressed, gates open at 7pm.
Springvale Community Hub
SPRINGVALE
The free urban big screen at the Springvale Community Hub will fill the outdoor precinct.
Harmony Square
DANDENONG
The free urban big screen will fill the Dandenong square.
Winter Night Market At The Queen Vic
CBD
With the match on the big screen at QVM with all the nighttime stalls operating, there'll be plenty of snacks, drinks and space.
Hawker Hall
WINDSOR
The Windsor diner is dialling it up with a five-course feast from Chin Chin chef Benjamin Cooper for $69pp with the game on the big screen. Bookings essential.
Yakimono
CBD
The futuristic Japanese diner will continue with its flame-grilled flare alongside the game beamed live on the big screen. Book in here.
Runner-Up
COLLINGWOOD
The Collingwood rooftop bar is putting on the clash with $20 jugs to celebrate, walk-ins only.
Hope St Radio
COLLINGWOOD
With a large projector screen and woodfire grilled cheeseburgers, Hope St Radio is going hard for the Matildas.
Orrong Hotel
PRAHRAN
The game will be on throughout the pub and the happy hour will be extended until kick-off with half-price tinnies, wines, and Aperol Spritz. Walk-ins only.
Hotel Sorrento
SORRENTO
The front bar of the Peninsula's Hotel Sorrento will air the semi-final $8 tap schooners, house and house spirits between 3pm and 5pm. Walk-ins only.
Mount Erica
PRAHRAN
The game will be on and there'll be $6 tins on offer at the Mount Erica Hotel, walk-ins only.
Victoria Hotel
FOOTSCRAY
The Footscray favourite, Victoria Hotel will have five screens casting the game. Walk-ins only.
Builders Arms Hotel
FITZROY
Streaming live with sound throughout the Builders Arms, they've also got the limited edition Stomping Ground 'Golden Boot Draught' pouring in honour of the Matildas.
Garden State Hotel
CBD
The city pub will have the game on with DJs playing tunes before and after.
Holmes Hall Bar
MOONEE PONDS
The beloved Moonee pub is bringing in extra screens for the Wednesday match, book in here.
Lido Cinemas
HAWTHORN
Catch the game on the cinema screen in the comfort of Lido's plush seats with the bar open throughout, entry is free but you've got to book.
MoonDog
PRESTON & ABBOTSFORD
The two Melbourne beer outlets will be going loud with screens and froths galore for the match.
Welcome To Thornbury
NORTHCOTE
All seats have been booked but standing room is still on offer at Welcome To Thornbury.
Welcome To Brunswick
BRUNSWICK
All seats have been booked but standing room is still on offer at Welcome To Brunswick.
Keep an eye out for everything happening in Melbourne now.
Image credit: Fed Square