Barrack for The Matildas with a cold pint in your hand.
History has been made.
In case you somehow missed it, the CommBank Matildas are through to their first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup semi-final after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over France.
In what was one of the most watched television events in Australian history, the teams could not be separated after 120 minutes. Despite multiple opportunities, it remained scoreless. A penalty shootout for the ages was required – including saves, re-takes, missed opportunities, and a whole lot of drama. Substitute Cortnee Vine was the one who converted and Australia made history with Mackenzie Arnold making a number of crucial saves.
Keep up with the latest in local news and entertainment here.
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With the Tillies up, they now take on England in the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Semi-Finals on Wednesday, 16 August 2023 at Stadium Australia, Sydney.
With the showdown against Australia and England going down from 8pm, let’s dive into some of the local spots screening the action.
Where to watch the Matilda’s Women’s World Cup Semi Final 2023
AAMI Park
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has confirmed AAMI Park will be opened up as a live site for the Women’s World Cup semi-final between the Matildas and England at Stadium Australia in Sydney on Wednesday night.
Fed Square
Fed Square has been the official live site for every game of the World Cup and will continue in that role for the remaining games.
The Sporting Globe
Address: 175-177 Ryrie Street, Geelong
Vibe: Modern sports bar
Every year on these fine grand final days, many a fan flock to their local Sporto – and for good reason. The Sporting Globe’s grand final day celebration has all you need to catch every moment of the game with about 50 plus flat screens, an epic menu and a number of drink specials – along with the awesome game atmosphere.
As the home of sport, you’ll definitely be able to catch the game here. Kick off is at 8pm, but you can book your table ahead of time here.
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The Brewery Geelong
Address: Unit 2/73b Little Malop St, Geelong
Vibe: Surf coast vibes and ice-cold beer
From the Bells Beach Brewing team, Positioned conveniently at the iconic bar space located in Denny’s Place behind Beav’s Bar, The Brewery fits right in with an urban industrial fit-out and exterior, understated décor and abundance of seating room, truly making it the ultimate destination to sink a few surf-inspired pints with the crew, whether it be Saturday night or for a cheeky Sunday arvo session.
For the game, the brewery will be screening throughout the venue when it kicks off at 8pm and pouring beers from 4pm. They’ll also be dishing out free popcorn and $5 pots whenever the Tillie’s are in front.
Medusa Bar
Address: 2 Rock O’Cashel Lane, Geelong
Vibe: Melbourne hidden bar feel
Brought to you by the familiar faces behind Valhalla Brewing & Taproom, Medusa is one of Geelong’s best-kept secrets thanks to its DJs spinning vinyl, movie nights and some seriously unreal happy hour specials.
Coinciding with their iconic movie nights, Medusa will be kicking off Film Night with a screening of Bend It Like Beckham from 6pm before screening The Matilda’s from 8pm. From 5pm, you’ll be getting $2 pots.
Edge Geelong
Address: 6/8 Eastern Beach Rd, Geelong
Vibe: Airy, easygoing waterfront bliss
Whether you’re looking for a bite to eat or a drink, the waterfront’s Edge Geelong Bar & Restaurant has a little bit of everything for everyone – and it’s got the views and location to match!
For the game, Edge will be screening the semi across the venue, as well as serving up $15 Golden Goal cocktails and $60 Aussie Gold margarita trees to keep the vibes high.
Torquay Hotel
Address: 36 Bell Street, Torquay 3228
Vibe: Summer cool
Whilst Torquay may be the tourist destination of choice, make the Torquay Hotel one of your local hangout choices. The Torquay Hotel has always been a cornerstone of the town, but it saw a mega revamp in recent years to take on the title of iconic live music venue. A fresh menu that consists of a classic pub menu for the public bar and beer garden whilst dialing up the fancy in the restaurant area, mammoth lineups of Australian and International artists and a vibrant community of regulars, Torquay Hotel is a treasure to our hospitality and music scene.
This Wednesday Torquay Hotel will be playing The Matildas v England in the public bar. They’ll be rolling out the green and gold helium balloons and will be playing it loud and proud on the big screen. Parmis are only $22. Please note, Trivia will not be running this Wednesday.
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LP Geelong
Address: 99/101 Corio St, Geelong
Vibe: A hub for Food, Drinks & Dance
Located in the heart of Geelong, LP is a locally run venue, with the aim of providing “Food, Drinks & Dance” to the masses. They say if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it… and the team at LP live by this rule. By embracing what came before, this team preserve the best aspects of Geelong’s oldest pub venue, whilst still giving the venue their signature LP spin.
They’ll be screening the game on their big screen, with drink specials and the kitchen open for food. Kick off is at 8pm but this one opens up at 5pm until late.
Geelong Hotel
Address: 69 Yarra St, Geelong
Vibe: Revamped with neons, party central
As with many of the pubs in town, Geelong Hotel has had many names, including the unforgettable Bended Elbow, and seen many faces. With a much needed facelift, Geelong Hotel (better known to locals as GH), is a Friday and Saturday night go to for a classic pub meal, standout cocktails, beats galore and the occasional live music act in their dedicated upstairs bandroom.
For the game, the Geelong Hotel will be screening the semi-final throughout the entire venue. They’ll also have parmis from $18, and $3 pots throughout the game.
Barwon Heads Hotel
Address: 1 Bridge Road, Barwon Road
Vibe: Relaxed beach vibes
Reinvigorated to bring a more coastal touch, Barwon Heads Hotel has a bit of everything for the locals to enjoy. Catch up with friends for a drink and a light bite from their bridge bar or cocktail lounge, catch the latest live sporting event in the sports bar or dine on some fresh seasonal produce and delicious pub meals in the bistro. On the warm summer days the outdoor area is an ideal spot to hang out and inhale the delicious ocean breeze.
For the game, the BHH will be screening the match live on the beer garden big screen and in the public bar AND in the restaurant. You simply can’t miss it here! It’s also steak night so win, win.
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Malt Shovel Tap House
Address: Corner Malop St & Bellerine Street, Geelong
Vibe: Laid back, Sunday arvo vibes
Malt Shovel Tap House is a home for craft beer lovers. Split into multiple dining areas, including an art deco front room, a beer garden, a more intimate booth setting and a beer hall reminiscent area, Malt Shovel Tap House caters for everyone with their well rounded offering. Whilst specialists in rotisserie meats, they have a long list of burgers, classic pub meals and sharing plates on offer. On the beer side, you can’t go past their tasting paddle to have a taste of everything on tap.
The game will be showing live both outside in the beer garden and inside throughout the restaurant.
The Elephant and Castle Hotel
Address: 158 McKillop Street, Geelong
Vibe: Old-worth English pub
Nestled on the eastern fringe of the City of Geelong, The Elephant & Castle Hotel has been part of the landscape in town for years now, with a history stretching back over 130 years. Owned by Geelong’s infamous Darryn Lyons, the last 20 months in and out of lockdown have truly made us appreciate the quirky, yet classic interior, the endless roster of live entertainment, the welcoming patrons and the generous pub feeds.
For the Semi Final, watch the action Live and Loud on all seven big screens around the venue, both in the main bar and in the beer garden. It’s also steak and oyster special night so head in early.
The Valley Inn Hotel
Address:: 120 Fyans St, South Geelong
Vibe: Sports pub
A well-known favourite among the locals, The Valley has something for everyone – from a state-of-the-art sports bar to alfresco dining, chef-designed menu and fresh tank beer on-site… this little gem is a go-to for footy fans. No matter your tipple, you’ll find something refreshing to drink at The Valley thanks to an extensive wine list with a range of local and imported beers and ciders on tap.
For the game, the Tillies will be on five of the ultra high-definition screens across the venue.
Murphys
Address: 30 Aberdeen Street, Geelong West
Vibe: Loud, energetic
Formerly Irish Murphy’s, Murphys has a rich history in Geelong as one of our oldest pubs. Established in 1855, this charmer is also linked to football, with the Geelong Cats Football club having originated there. It went on to become a stereotypical Irish pub that served loud live music and dancing of a night, trivia nights and a lovely Sunday lunch for the family. Murphys has since evolved into a more modern space with a gorgeous stained glass enclosed, rooftop bar showing a stunning view of Geelong, however they have not lost the original pub charm.
For the big game, the venue will be screening the game live throughout the entire venue, plus they’ll be running their usual burger night.
Sou’West Brewery
Address: 27 Baines Crescent, Torquay
Vibe: Humble, coastal cool
Out towards the coast, Sou’West Brewery is a worthy destination for a visit. Already a standout among one of the coolest destinations for drinks in the sunshine (or rugged up inside), it’s their menu that reinforces just how cool with a nod to all the beer-friendly bites you’d expect to see at a brewery, plus a few special additions – including a pretty mouth-watering steak night.
For the semi finals, Sou’West will be screening the game in the tasting and family room, as well as doing all-night happy hour plus $15 pizza and $5 fries specials while the game is on. Lots to love about that!
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Belmont Hotel
Address: 77 High Street, Belmont
Vibe: Sunday arvo breezy
This 1920’s establishment is located at the top of town on High Street. A favourite pick as a function venue, Belmont Hotel has embraced their art-deco interior with complimentary classic pub meal meets fining dining selection and their wide cocktail range. The rooftop is the perfect spot for a Sunday session or to gather the mates to watch sport over a pint. If you love an amaretto sour, these guys do the best in town!
With a bunch of TV screens throughout the venue, you’ll be able to watch the game from any angle. Head on in and cheer the mighty Matilda’s as they continue to make Australian history.
Blackman’s Brewery
Address: Geelong, Torquay and Ocean Grove
Vibe: Summer beer
This independently-owned brew company known for their colourful, in flavour and appearance, beers has created another bright and bubbly venue to reflect their signature brand on Ocean Grove’s main strip, in Geelong and Torquay too.
For the semi, the Geelong venue will be screening the game following their comedy night with Lehmo, while Ocean Grove will kick off Wednesday with their usual trivia, burgers and then screen the legendary match across the venue.
Portarlington Grand Hotel
Address: 76 Newcombe Street, Portarlington
Vibe: Family-friendly, summery
An Artium, a bistro, a lawn and a public front bar, Portarlington Grand Hotel has seating options galore! Located on the main drag of Portarlington, the Grand Hotel holds the title of the Jewel of the Bellarine Peninsula. Established in 1888, this building is equally as impressive as the fresh produce filled menu on offer.
This Wednesday, the PGH will be screening the Tillies across the screens in the Atrium Bar, which opens from 6pm.
Splatters Cheese Bar
Address: 168-170 Pakington St, Geelong West
Vibe: Cheese cheese cheese
‘Cheese Your Own Adventure’ at Geelong’s Splatters Cheese Bar – a licensed fromagerie like no other with three separate dining areas including Australia’s first cheese train. The brainchild of cheesemonger Jo and her wife Tennille, Splatters boasts a 20-metre conveyor belt and a fully licensed bar, offering an interactive cheese and charcuterie dining experience with a distinct focus on Australia’s best artisanal products.
For the game, Splatters will be hosting a Matilda’s watch party at the venue. Doors open from 6pm and the game kicks off at 8pm with drink specials running all night. Bring your pride and celebrate with the best!
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The Barwon Club Hotel
Address: 509 Moorabool St, South Geelong
Vibe: Time-tested and boisterous
Another iconic live music venue, the BC is everything you love about a pub. They have long been the go-to destination for the traditional pub experience in Geelong since it was first opened in the early ’90s, and it doesn’t seem like things are slowing down.
For the final, the game will be on the TVs throughout the venue with $20 parmi and pot special happening across the night.
The Deck
Address: 2-4 Gheringhap Street, Geelong
Vibe: Chill, fun and good vibes all round
Since its killer makeover a couple of years ago, The Deck on Gheringhap Street has quickly become a favourite amongst locals looking for a cold beer, quality meal and decent tunes to see them through the week.
Known to host one helluva party, the crew at The Deck are getting in on the final action with their regular parmi night and screening the game on multiple screens throughout the venue so you won’t miss a beat.
Or, rug up on the couch and watch it on TV
Channel Seven will show the game live on free-to-air and on its streaming service 7Plus, while Optus Sport will also show the game live – given its broadcast rights for the whole tournament.
Go Matildas!!!!
