Gallery l Shepparton watches Matildas on big screen as they waltz into semis

By Jay Bryce

Aug 14, 2023

Council of supporters: Cr Fern Summer, Cr Anthony Brophy, Mayor Shane Sali and Cr Ben Ladson. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Following an anxiety-filled night, the task of bringing a moment of relief (followed by pure, unbridled joy) to the audience at the Shepparton Showgrounds fell fittingly to a native.

It was a tense penalty shoot-out on Saturday, August 12, before Cortnee Vine slotted the winning spot kick for the Matildas, beating France and sending Australia into the Women’s World Cup semi-finals.

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Vine made her soccer debut for St George’s Rd Primary School, and now she’s a mainstay in Australia’s squad.

News photographer Rechelle Zammit headed to the showgrounds to capture the roller-coaster of emotions at the community public screening.

The Matildas will face England on Wednesday, August 16, at 8pm, where they will continue their quest to bring a Fifa World Cup trophy to Australia for the first time.