‘Riding the Wave’: Cahill Backs Matildas to Win WC

Australia's from left, Ellie Carpenter, Caitlin Foord, Sam Kerr and Steph Catley celebrate after Cortnee Vine kicked the winning penalty goal to defeat France in the Women's World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Australia and France in Brisbane, Australia, on Aug.12, 2023. Darren England/AAPImage via AP

Socceroos legend Tim Cahill believes Australia are poised to lift the Women’s World Cup after their nail-biting penalty shootout victory over France propelled them one step closer to silverware.

The Matildas’ drama-charged win has Tony Gustavsson’s side one game away from the final, with Wednesday’s semi-against England all that stands in their path.

The Socceroos’ strongest showing at a World Cup is two round-of-16 finishes, while the Matildas surpassed their previous best of a quarter-final following their energy-sapping shootout sinking of the French.

Cahill was in Brisbane to watch that monumental Matildas win and said the dream of an Australia World Cup victory could soon become a reality.

“By beating France, who are probably the strongest opposition, there’s no reason why they can’t go on to win it,” Cahill said in Sydney on Sunday, where he was talking as an ambassador at a Greyhounds As Pets adoption day.

“France is the most complete team, tactically, and their manager (Herve Renard), I know a lot about him from his time with the Saudi Arabian men’s team.

“Now it'll come down to fatigue for those who have played every game for the Matildas.

“Hopefully, they can back it up physically and mentally because they’re riding the wave.

Australia's forward Tim Cahill celebrates after scoring during a Group B football match between Australia and the Netherlands at the Beira-Rio Stadium in Porto Alegre during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 18, 2014. JUAN BARRETO/AFP/Getty Images

“I’m quietly confident, but we have to be fearless and on the front foot.”

Cahill said Australia wouldn’t be overawed by their meeting with the Lionesses.

England pushed Colombia aside to reach the last four, and the reigning European champions have shown their ability to grind out wins at this tournament.

England’s Dutch boss Sarina Wiegman has lost just one game since taking charge of the side in 2021, but that defeat came at the hands of Australia in a friendly earlier this year.

“(The Matildas) are continuing to hit milestones,” Cahill said.

“When you’ve got an Australian player playing for Real Madrid, Chelsea or Arsenal, (their achievements) are not a surprise.

“If anything, it’s sort of similar to the generation we had when we were playing overseas, so I’m very proud.

“You can see that they are together with how they rode the storm.”