Ange Postecoglou's admission about Matildas amid historic World Cup showing

New Tottenham coach Ange Postecoglou has praised the Matildas and the influence they are having across the nation as Australia face England in the women's World Cup semi-final on Wednesday. The Matildas captured the hearts of the nation on Saturday when they defeated France in a dramatic penalty shoot out to see them reach their first ever semi-final.

And to prove just how the Matildas have united the nation, an average of 4.17 million tuned in to the quarter-final, with the Seven Network also enjoying a record 472,000 viewers streaming the game on their digital platform 7Plus. A peak audience of 7.2 million tuned in as the Matildas advanced after a 7-6 penalty shootout victory.

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Over in England, former Socceroos coach Postecoglou became the first Australian to ever coach a Premier League team when Tottenham drew 2-2 with Brentford on the weekend. And in the wake of his historic moment, Postecoglou took time to praise the history taking place back at home.

"Talking to people back home, the whole nation's got right behind the Matildas and rightly so, they've been outstanding," Melbourne-raised Postecoglou told Optus Sport."A semi-final against the English ... I'm glad I'm here (in London).

"I'll be able to rub it in a few noses if the girls get up, which I'm sure they will." And the Matildas have also inspired other Aussie favourites during their march to the semi-final.

The Boomers were set to play against Brazil in Melbourne on Wednesday night. The match would act as a warm-up ahead of the FIBA World Cup. However, the game has been brought forward more than two hours to avoid a clash with the Matildas.

And NBA star Patty Mills has admitted the Matildas have inspired the team ahead of their own quest for glory. "The way the ladies play with so much heart and passion has been so inspiring to witness," Mills said.

"Just like the rest of the country, our Boomers team have been locked in for each game, watching it as a team and enjoying every part of supporting and celebrating these incredible athletes. Supporting our fellow Australian athletes is crucial, so moving our game was an easy decision."

When do the Matildas play England in World Cup semi-final?

The Matildas - having made history by winning through to a World Cup semi-final for the first time ever - now turn their attention to trying to topple European champions, England. The Aussies will battle their old enemy on Wednesday night at 8pm in front of a sold-out Stadium Australia in Sydney for a place in the final.

Will Australia get a public holiday if the Matildas win?

The sails of the Opera House will light up in green and gold on Wednesday, but the NSW premier would not be drawn on questions about a possible public holiday if the Matildas win. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has previously talked up the possibility.

"We've got two games to go before then," Mr Minns said. Wednesday's showdown with England is the first time either of the men's or women's football teams have ever reached the semi-finals of a World Cup.

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