Women’s World Cup 2023: England’s Keira Walsh says pressure is on Australia in semi-final

Matildas midfielder Tameka Yallop says it has been “special” for the Aussie nation to join the team on their journey at the World Cup.

“We’ve been kicking a ball a long time. We did it in our back yards with no-one watching and then, when we all put on our first Aussie jersey, there weren’t that many people watching,” said Yallop.

“But we were still playing and training as hard as we always have been. To put in all that hard work and for people outside our circle to be on that journey with us is something we haven’t experienced to this extent.

“Every Matilda that puts on the jersey feels the legacy of the players before and this tournament has built on that and grown the excitement for future generations.”

The last time Australia faced England, in a friendly in April, they ended the Lionesses’ 30-game unbeaten run under manager Sarina Wiegman.

But Yallop says it is a “completely different” scenario going into the semi-final and their previous victory does not give them a psychological edge.

“This is next level. It’s a different game,” she added. “That was a friendly and we did take something out of it. Now, we’re into the knockout games at the World Cup and it’s completely different.

“We won’t let that result get in the way or alter our tournament mode.”