As the Matildas’ FIFA Women’s World Cup journey continues with their blockbuster quarter-final match against France in Brisbane on Saturday, a passionate group of supporters have been there every step of the way in full voice every game.
The Matildas Active Support group have travelled the country supporting Australia as they chase World Cup glory.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Matildas Active Support ready to cheer on the Matildas against France.
Watch every Matildas FIFA Women’s World Cup™ match live and free on 7plus >> or stream all matches on Optus Sport >>
On their website, the Matildas Active Support say they exist to “provide a space for all fans to come together, active or not.“
The supporter group have landed in Brisbane with Majella Card, one of the group’s founders, telling Sunrise on Friday that they are looking forward to the “historic game” against France.
Majella Card and members of the Matildas Active Support group in Brisbane speaking to Sunrise. Credit: Sunrise
“We are ready to go and we are so excited to be here in Brisbane,” Card told Sunrise host Matt Shirvington.
“It’s my home town and I’m really so excited for this historic game.”
Shirvo was left stunned as Card said she has taken six weeks off work to attend the Matildas matches during the World Cup.
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“I had this time earmarked ever since we (Matildas Active Support) got the announcement that Australia and New Zealand were going to be hosting the World Cup,” Card explained.
“I immediately told work I’m not going to be around for this month because I’ve got football to go to.
“They know I’m a massive Matildas fan.
“I’m just absolutely over the moon.”
Shirvo asked the group what chants they have for the French team, with Card replying that they like to keep their chants mainly based on the Matildas.
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“We keep our chants about us,” Card told Shirvo.
“We have our bunch of chants that we use all the time.
“We have one based on Waltzing Matilda and a bunch of really well known football chants.
“We have chants for Sam Kerr, Caitlin Foord, so anytime those great players do something great we crank out one of those.”
Shirvo said he was keen to hear some of the Matildas Active Support chants live on air, however the group was saving their voices for the big match.
“We are going to save our voices for tomorrow night,” Card replied.
“But if you watch us on TV you will hear us loud and proud.
“We will give you a big cheer.”
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Such is the dedication but sheer demand for tickets for the quarter-final against France, Matildas Active Support members Kimi and Donna plan to fly to and from Brisbane on game day, with the pair spending $500 each for a hospitality ticket.
Some members of the Matildas Active Support group also play for the Australian Supporteroos team – a group of football-playing supporters of Australia’s national teams – and have enjoyed friendly matches during the World Cup against Ireland, Canada and Nigeria, all of whom were the group stage opponents of the Matildas.
7SPORT anchor and football expert Mel McLaughlin and broadcasting legend Bruce McAvaney are leading Seven’s coverage of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, with expert insight from Elise Kellond-Knight, Heather Garriock and more. Watch the Matildas and other key matches live and free on 7plus.
Watch Matildas v France, Saturday August 12
Pre-game show
Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane: 4pm live on Channel 7 and 7plus
Adelaide: 3.30pm live on Channel 7 and 7plus
Perth: 2pm live on Channel 7 and 7plus
Kick-off
Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane: 5pm live on Channel 7 and 7plus
Adelaide: 4.30pm live on Channel 7 and 7plus
Perth: 3pm live on Channel 7 and 7plus
How the Matildas soared into the Women’s World Cup quarter-finals
The secret behind Steph Catley’s perfect Matildas penalties
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