The nation was behind the Matildas as they took on the Lionesses at Stadium Australia on Wednesday night.
And that included celebrities, who rushed to social media to praise the Australian team after their gallant loss to England in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup semi-final.
Among the crowd of 75,784 was Today Extra co-host David Campbell and his wife Lisa who shared a post-game message to the squad: “Thank you Tillies.”
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“What an honour to see @thematildas play live,” he wrote.
“We need to thank these women who have changed the way we view and talk about sport in this country. A class act all the way.”
READ MORE: How the Matildas decided on their iconic name
Campbell’s co-host Sylvia Jeffreys echoed a similar sentiment, writing: “We love ya @matildas !! Thank you for changing the game.”
TV personality and 9Honey columnist Shelly Horton told the team: “You have inspired a nation. Take a bow.”
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Viewing figures for last week’s game, when Australia won during the penalty shootout against France, was one of the biggest audience figures since Aussies stopped to watch Cathy Freeman win gold in the 400-metre final at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 … and it looks like the athlete was among them.
“So incredibly proud of our girls!” Freeman shared after Wednesday’s game.
“You gave it everything and inspired an entire nation! Hold your head up high and here’s to the future!”
Olympian-turned-politician Zali Steggall reminded followers that the Matildas aren’t done yet, with one more game to go to determine third place.
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“Sport can be the most amazing highs and heartbreaking misses, that’s why it’s so enthralling,” she tweeted.
“@matildas played hard, inspired the nation and made us all so proud! Let’s all get behind them for Saturday!”
Comedian and TV personality Charlie Pickering said he “could not be more proud of what the #Matildas have done”, labelling them “Australia’s Team”.
Meanwhile, UK TV presenter Holly Willoughby shared a message of admiration for England’s win on social media.
“Utterly incredible… wow wee! Congratulations @lionesses,” she captioned the post.
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Prince William also jumped online to share a message of support as England make it to a FIFA World Cup final for the first time since the men’s team won in 1966.
Ahead of the game, Australian celebrities showed off their support for the Matildas, wearing the green and gold – with some cheering on from inside Stadium Australia, while others from the comfort of their couch.
Comedian Magda Szubanski brought back her iconic sport-loving character Sharon Strzelecki, sharing a special video on social media to cheer on the Matildas before the game.
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Dannii Minogue, who spent years living in the UK, left no doubt who she was cheering on with a range of football-themed cupcakes iced in green and yellow with “Go Matildas” written on top.
The star might also have been cheering even louder ahead of the game with her sister, Kylie Minogue, popping up on the British broadcast of the semi-final.
Rebecca Harding and Andy Lee watched the game at home with their dog also dressed up for the occasion.
“Yep… this whole household is @matildas ready!!” Lee wrote.
A Current Affair‘s Allison Langdon and Today Show‘s Brooke Boney cheered on the Matildas alongside a bunch of gal pals from inside Stadium Australia.
“Rip in girls!!!!!” Langdon captioned the post.
Olympic swimmer Emma McKeon shared a photo – decked out in a huge smile and her Matildas jersey – before heading into the stadium.
KISS FM radio personality Jackie O posed with a banner for the Aussie side with her female colleagues under a green and gold balloon archway.
“YEAH THE GIRLS!” she captioned the shot.