politicians and the matildas

[Ken Gargett]

normally, i have about as much interest in women's soccer as i do macrame and quilting but the matildas (the aussie women's soccer team) really have captured the nation with the world cup being played here. the world cup quarter final on the weekend v France literally had the highest tv ratings for anything shown here since Cathy Freeman's gold medal run in the Sydney Olympics back in 2000. tonight, the semi v England. the nation will stop.

i know that some grinch-like individuals are hoping we lose so we don't have a public holiday (if you work for yourself, they mean nothing - i only found out that today is a public holiday here, an hour ago). no names, rob. 

and politicians are jumping on the bandwagon as fast as they can. shocker! 

but the classic politician had to be dear old dimwitted barnaby joyce (former leader of the national party) . 

asked about the quarter final in an interview, he did the usual about how wonderful etc it all was. but then a few things started to creep in. he confessed he'd gone down to the local pub to watch it with a bunch of constituents. Barnaby's constituents make banjo-playing hillbillies look like the Algonquin round table. they all enjoyed the game and our 1-0 victory. the problem was that it was not 1-0 at full time. seems the pub put on a repeat of an earlier game and no one noticed. you have to love those knowledgeable fans.

for those who missed it, and i repeat, usually i could not care less, this was as dramatic as any sporting event i have ever seen. ended in a penalty shoot-out which took 20 kicks between the two sides. it was truly incredible drama. 

so, good luck to the girls tonight and may politicians simply not even bother. 

[El Presidente]

I would be that grinch 

Go England!

...or Spain!

....or anyone else!

[Fuzz AI]

7 minutes ago, El Presidente said:

I would be that grinch 

Go England!

...or Spain!

....or anyone else!

Boooo!!! UnAustralian!!!!

[El Presidente]

2 minutes ago, Fuzz said:

Boooo!!! UnAustralian!!!!

Oh please. I will take the team with the most boyfriends, 

[JohnS]

2 minutes ago, El Presidente said:

Oh please. I will take the team with the most boyfriends, 

Morocco?

[El Presidente]

1 minute ago, JohnS said:

Morocco?

......if only they were still in! 

[westg]

3 hours ago, El Presidente said:

Oh please. I will take the team with the most boyfriends, 

That would be any English mens team 

[westg]

While he is at it our sausage Anthony eggsovereasy can give us a holiday for the womans Netball world champs as well. Now that I can watch a game that actually has some scoring . Well done to our gals . 🤸😎🌴

[westg]

That is the 1st game of soccer I have ever watched from start to finish . The geezer with number 11 on her back . What a super star she was amazing.

Our girls are amazing. Taken the game to another level in Oz for men and women 

[El Presidente]

congrats England! 

mind you I will be going for Spain in the final 

[Fuzz AI]

1 hour ago, El Presidente said:

congrats England! 

mind you I will be going for Spain in the final 

Anyone but England!

[westg]

9 hours ago, El Presidente said:

congrats England! 

mind you I will be going for Spain in the final 

Along with the rest of the entire world 

[Ken Gargett]

8 hours ago, Fuzz said:

Anyone but England!

that is what i have been telling him. instead i get endless texts cheering for England. shame, ayala, shame. 

[Bill Hayes]

The great part about last night's game was that it was tough and hard yet there was little to none of the pretending you've been shot and lying around on the ground writhing in agonising pain, until you hobble off then walk straight back on as if nothing had happened. Ha ha! But Spain, I'm not so sure.