THE SQUIZ
That’s the positive spin we’re putting on last night’s loss. Unless you did a Barnaby Joyce and watched the wrong game, you’ll know that the magnificent Matildas went down 3-1 to England in the World Cup semi-final in Sydney last night. It’s still a bit raw TBH…

HOW’D IT GO DOWN?
We went to the halftime break behind after Lioness Ella Toone scored a beautiful goal. About 15 minutes into the second half, Matildas skipper Sam Kerr showed us why she’s considered one of the best in the world with a goal that started with her taking possession at the halfway mark. It lifted the team for a bit until England put themselves back in front, thanks to some messy defence from the Aussies. And the third goal for England – the one that sank the nation’s heart – came in the 85th minute. And that was that… England was tough and physical – they dominated play last night. Following the game, Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson said it was “one of those nights where they were more clinical than us in the finishing.” And sure, it’s disappointing, but as Aussie icon Cathy Freeman said for all of us: “So incredibly proud of our girls.”

SO WHAT’S NEXT?
As Sam Kerr said last night, the Matildas have to “pick ourselves up and hopefully not go home empty-handed.” They’re in the playoff for third against Sweden – that’s happening at 6pm Saturday night in Brissie. For the victors, England will face Spain in the final at 8pm on Sunday night – and both sides are playing out of their skins… As for players to watch in that final: 19yo Spanish sensation Salma Paralluelo has been one of the standouts of the tournament and English midfielder Lauren James is returning after she was red-carded and missed 2 games. It will be an absolute cracker for lovers of the beautiful game… And whoever wins will be holding the World Cup for the first time, which, as renowned sports commentator Bruce McAveney might say, will be special.