Fifa Women’s World Cup: Australia buoyed by home support ahead of SF clash with favourites England

Australia coach Tony Gustavsson says self-belief and massive fan support could make the difference when they meet England for a place in the Fifa Women’s World Cup final on Wednesday.

The co-hosts have already created history with their first run to the last four, and are determined to keep breaking barriers and go even further.

Gustavsson said Serena Wiegman’s world No 4 England would be favourites at Sydney’s Stadium Australia, but the Matildas had something the Lionesses did not.

“If you look at rankings they’re favourites, if you look at where their players play in top clubs in top leagues all over the world,” he said on Tuesday.

“If you look at all that and the resources financially, obviously they are a massive favourite going into the game.

“But if you add the belief we have, and the one thing we have that they don’t – and that is the support from the fans, that itself is going to be massive tomorrow.”

The Matildas’ exploits have triggered a groundswell of support at home.

Their heart-stopping penalty shootout win over France in the quarter-finals was the most-viewed television sporting event in Australia since Cathy Freeman ran her iconic 400m race at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

It has sparked so much interest that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is considering declaring a public...

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