Matildas vs England Women's Football World Cup: Australian fans drown their sorrows at packed out bars and clubs across the country after the Matildas go down to the old enemy in Women's World Cup semi-final Fans hoped to be drinking for joy, but it wasn't to be Supporters across the country raise a glass for Matildas By Padraig Collins For Daily Mail Australia Published: 13:19, 16 August 2023 | Updated: 14:35, 16 August 2023 e-mail 5 View comments Australia fans have been drowning their sorrows after the Matildas' Women's World Cup semi-final loss to England on Wednesday night. Though Australia played valiantly and fought hard, it wasn't enough to combat a rampant Lionesses' team who won 3-1 at a packed Stadium Australia in Sydney . Ella Toone's 36th minute goal gave England a 1-0 lead at half-time, but the Matildas came out reenergised after the break and Sam Kerr scored a cracking equaliser in the 63rd minute. The status quo didn't last long, though, with Lauren Hemp putting the Lionesses back in front eight minutes later, before Alessia Russo made sure of the win with a goal in the 86th minute. Supporters gathered at pubs, clubs and fan sites across the country had hoped for the best, but England were always the favourites. Australia fans have been drowning their sorrows after the Matildas' Women's World Cup semi-final loss to England For one Australian fan (pictured) the game was literally nail-biting stuff Sam Kerr (pictured) scored for Australia, but it wasn't enough to stop England winning 3-1 Every picture tells a story, and this one from the Turf Bar in Melbourne, says the Matildas have just lost to England Sometimes the only thing you can do is either stare at the screen in horror or have a drink The game was over and Australia were defeated, but there was a commiserating drink to hand Matildas fans (pictured) had hoped for the best against England, but it wasn't to be Two England fans look very happy with the result, but their Australian-supporting friend was not so happy These Aussie fans tried to see the bright side, the Matildas still have the third place play-off game to come Tens of thousands of people gathered at fan sites (Melbourne pictured) across the country Australia's players gather in a heart shape after losing to England at Stadium Australia in Sydney on August 16, 2023 Two young fans hold a handmade poster expressing how much they love the Matildas READ MORE: Angry Matildas fans blast 'cowardly' Lionesses' and accuse England of 'being out for Sam Kerr' Australia fans were up in arms at England's aggressive approach in the Women's World Cup semi-final. Advertisement They cheered their heroes in gold and green on, wearing replica strips and scarves and holding handmade banners with messages for their favourite players. The fans had hoped to be drinking for joy, but ended up having a drink or two to drown their sorrows. But they know that the Matildas did their nation proud , giving their best amid a very aggressive approach from the Lionesses. From the early exchanges, England looked determined to stop Australia as far high up the field as possible with Toone and Lucy Bronze both penalised by referee Tori Penso. Matildas full-back Steph Catley was twice barged to the turf, as the Lionesses successfully disrupted Australia's rhythm and never allowed the hosts to settle. It's not all over, though, Australia still have a third place play-off game against Sweden on Saturday to come. All eyes were on the screen as Australia played England in the Women's World Cup semi-final The Coogee Bay Hotel (pictured) in Sydney was packed for the game on Wednesday night The England fans at the front looked a lot happier than the Australia fans behind them at the Coogee Bay Hotel These England fans looked very happy at how their team played against the Matildas The tension was written across the fans' faces as the game wore on and an England win became inevitable England fans in the eastern Sydney suburb of Coogee (pictured) had good reason to look happy The Australia fans were tense and concerned for most of the game, bar the eight minutes when it was 1-1 after Sam Kerr's equaliser England's Georgia Stanway embraces Australia's Sam Kerr at the end of the game England's players celebrate in the huddle while the screen displays the final's fixture - Spain vs England It was a good night out for these friends in Coogee, in Sydney's eastern suburbs The Coogee Pavilion bar (pictured) was also packed on Wednesday night for the match Fans at the Pavilion in Coogee are pictured celebrating during the Australia vs England game Some were smiling for the camera while those concentrating on the game looked concerned It was all smiles for these England fans at the Coogee Bay Hotel in eastern Sydney An England fan at the Coogee Pavilion hotel celebrates after the Lionesses scored their second goal of three Share or comment on this article: Matildas vs England Women's Football World Cup: Australian fans drown their sorrows at packed out bars and clubs across the country after the Matildas go down to the old enemy in Women's World Cup semi-final e-mail Add comment Comments 5 Share what you think Newest Oldest Best rated Worst rated View all The comments below have not been moderated. 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