CLANCY OVERELL | Editor | CONTACT
It’s predicted that more Australians will be watching the Matildas than any other sporting match in our nation’s history this Wednesday night, as our golden girls take on England in the World Cup semi-final.
This comes after their breathtaking penalty shoot out against France in Brisbane’s Lang Park Stadium on Saturday – a historic moment that broke Australian TV ratings records, matching only Cathy Freeman’s gold medal race at the Sydney Olympics.
It’s clear that Australians have been captivated by the fierce sporting prowess of the Australian women’s soccer side, and millions of new fans have been activated right across the nation.
In Betoota today, one of these recently radicalised soccer fans is getting everything ready for ‘the match’.
Carrie Langley (29) now finally understands the hundreds of hours her boyfriend has spent clapping at the television while sitting in uncomfortable chairs in shitty pubs.
Her first ever night out watching sport in a licensed venue was one to remember, as she devoured high-carb bar food and drank too much booze, while our Tillies ground down the French over nearly two hours of champagne football.
One thing that is lost on Carrie is that her boyfriend’s average pub session is not at all as excitable as her Saturday night out, and that the teams he supports in both AFL and NRL both suck.
But that hasn’t stopped her from going back for more, as she gathers the troops for a repeat this Saturday night.
While ringing around local venues today, it seems Carrie has been dictated by the bar menus and wine lists – rather than inquiring about the size of the screen.
“Okay so I’ve booked a table for Saturday” she tells her degenerate sporting addict boyfriend Teddy, whose ears immediately prick up.
“We are going to the Upholsterer’s Arms in the French Quarter”
Her boyfriend has not heard of this pub. And is immediately alarmed.
“Was that the only place with a table?” he asks.
Carrie says she hasn’t inquired anywhere else.
“Do you ask if they are playing the game?!” he follows up.
Carrie says she didn’t, but she’s sure it’ll be fine.
“It’s a pub right? They’ll all be playing it” she says.
“Well, it’s technically a gastropub”
“But they sell beer. I’m sure they can organise a TV”