Anthony Albanese pays tribute to ‘inspirational’ Matildas after heartbreaking Women’s World Cup defeat – but furious fans are all saying two things

Anthony Albanese’s tribute to the Matildas for their ‘incredible’ World Cup run has been met with backlash from some irate fans after the team lost 3-1 to England in the semi-finals.

The nation has been charmed by the side’s record-breaking attempts at the home tournament, with millions tuning in to cheer them on Wednesday night and 75,000 fans screaming in Sydney’s Olympic Park.

The chorus of praise for the Aussies was led by the Prime Minister who said on social media: ‘You have given us all the moments and memories to last a lifetime.

Cortnee Vine put the ball into the net in the final penalty kick against France. Mackenzie Arnold’s brick wall saves. Sam Kerr leads the team on and off the field.

“Every Matilda has brought us joy during this @FIFAWWC. And I have no doubt that the next generation of Matildas was watching. We’ll all be cheering for you on Saturday (for the game that decides third place).’

However, some fans hit back at Mr. Albanese by pointing out that he joined the team on the pitch after their victory against France to bask in glory, but did not take to the pitch after their crushing defeat.

Other fans said if he’s so impressed with the Matildas, his government should allocate more money to women’s sports.

“How come you went on the field to congratulate like you did last time when they won,” said one fan.

Another wrote: “Stop your babbling, loser.”

Heartbroken football fans also accused him of using the tournament to win votes.

‘Finance the game! Score enough political points, give them a chance, fund the grassroots and give them a level playing field,” one person said.

Another wrote, “Those are great words, but what about properly funding the grassroots game.”

‘Finance them! Invest in women’s sport and help improve the odds for the generation inspired by this Matildas team and everything they have achieved this World Cup,” said another.

The backlash comes a day after Albanian rejected his plan to pitch a holiday to the national cabinet if the Matildas win the FIFA Women’s World Cup after state leaders suggested the prime minister cool it down.

South Australian Prime Minister Peter Malinauskas repeatedly warned that he did not want to curse the team ahead of their clash with England.

Speaking to ABC’s Radio National, the Labor leader of state said he’d rather invest the $18 million holiday price tag in women’s sports facilities.

“I don’t want to be superstitious about tonight’s result, but what I do think, regardless of the result, is a huge investment in women’s facilities within grassroots sport,” he said.

Victoria’s Daniel Andrews and Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk had both sidestepped questions in recent days, preferring the wait-and-see approach.

Mr Albanese has championed the idea of ​​a day off since it was first introduced to him in a podcast interview with youth center The Daily Aus in June.

But after reactions from business groups about the cost of extra wages and opposition from some state leaders, he changed his tune on Wednesday morning, ahead of the national cabinet meeting.

“We’re not really going to talk about it today. We are discussing housing and other matters,” he told Triple M Hobart.

“It’s up to the states and territories what they do.”

Mr Albanese also dismissed criticism that a public holiday would negatively impact small businesses.

“When the holiday was held for Queen’s Day of Remembrance, a whole host of small businesses happened on that day,” he added.

“The contribution to the economy from this World Cup has been extraordinary, and tonight clubs and pubs across Australia will be full, as will live sites full, and the contribution that has been made should not be underestimated.”

Mr. Albanese later laughed at the suggestion that he brought bad juju to the team by “going early” during the holiday.

“Look, I was asked very early on before even they made it through the round of 16… I said, ‘Yeah, I would,'” he told SEN Sydney.

“Whether the Tillies get there or not, all Australians will be cheering for them tonight.”

Opposition leader Peter Dutton emphatically ruled out supporting the national holiday, promising to spend $250 million on community sports infrastructure if the coalition were returned to the government.

On Monday, NSW Premier Chris Minns promised to hold a holiday within a week of the final if the Matildas won.

“Not just to celebrate the win, but to hold a massive civic celebration and allow the Matildas to celebrate with the people of Sydney in what would be an amazing life-changing and incredible event in the history of the state ‘, he said.

But the Tasmanian Prime Minister and only Liberal leader at the national cabinet table, Jeremy Rockliff, poured cold water on the idea.

“We support the Matildas 100 percent, but we don’t support a holiday,” he said.

‘Our small businesses are often the first to sponsor and support our basic and top sport. It is too much to expect them to bear these costs.’

His own daughters were quick to roast him in a family group chat. “DAD WTF,” one wrote, while Ruby added, “NO DAD WE NEED ANOTHER VACATION.”

Mr Rockliff later shared the ripples on Facebook: “It’s safe to say I’m not the most popular member of the Rockliff family this morning.”