The Matildas are into the semi-final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time in history. It’s also the first time that two countries, Australia and New Zealand, are hosting the games. Fans are now hoping to build on this winning fever when they square off with England next.
On Wednesday all eyes will be on Stadium Australia at 8pm kick-off time.
Fans can view the game on big screens at the Western Sydney Stadium, Sydney Football Stadium and Darling Harbour. More people can view the game at Paramatta and Moore Park sites.
The excitement is contagious. Premier Chris Minns called it a “once-in-a-generation moment in Australian sport”, when he announced that he wants as many people as possible to watch the match on Wednesday.
A win-win for Aussies, but what about SMEs?
While anticipation is building, businesses are also gearing up for economic activity particularly in the CBD.
9News is reporting that $7.6 billion have already been spent in Australia in the retail and travel industries, since the Matilda’s rise to the center stage. This figure is said to be outdated already, with the latest victory in the bag in the quarter-final. Their 7-6 win over France drew a 75,000 crowd in Sydney.
However Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed if the Matildas win the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Ausies will get a free public holiday.
Not everyone is jumping for joy. Small businesses are concerned that it will lead to an “unprofitable” public holiday. Albanes doesn’t agree, he believes it will be quite the opposite.
Transport opportunities for SMEs
While the FIFA World Cup fever is only heating up, more fans will be hoping to be part of the electric atmosphere with their community on the day of the play-off. Arranging transport and mobilizing thousands of people to avoid stampedes is not easy.
Team Global Express is the official logistics partner for the FIFA World Cup. “Team Global Express is proud to provide innovative transport solutions to best meet the requirements of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023,” it said in a statement.
Team Global Express’ group CEO Christine Holgate said the partnership with FIFA further demonstrates the high level of commitment to diversity and inclusion.
“As a passionate advocate for women in the workplace and the development of women in sport, I am very excited for Australia and New Zealand to host the single biggest women’s sporting event in the world.”
Team Global Express operates Australia’s most comprehensive and far-reaching intermodal fleet. It operates across rail, sea, air and road.
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About the author
Mia is a multi-award-winning journalist. She has more than 14 years of experience in mainstream media. She's covered many historic moments that happened in Africa and internationally. She has a strong focus on human interest stories, to bring her readers and viewers closer to the topics at hand.
