By Leigh O’Connor.
Do you have any nails left? If you didn’t watch the Matildas grit their way into the FIFA Women’s World Cup semifinals with one of the most dramatic and longest penalty shootouts in football history, you must have been under a rock!
Tilly-mania has erupted around the country as our girls zero in on the dream to make the World Cup final for the first time next Sunday. Sam Kerr and Co have already set a new benchmark by securing their place in tomorrow night’s blockbuster with England’s Lionesses – the European champions – by downing France.
Ranked number four in the world, England made its way into the semifinals with a 2-1 victory over Colombia while the other semifinal between Sweden and Spain will be played in Auckland tonight.
There will be a first-time winner of the women’s World Cup this year as all the favourites, including the USA, have been eliminated; in fact, the US was trying for a never-been-done-before three-peat, before being bundled out by Sweden on penalties.
Here are four venues to get into the Tilly spirit in Brisbane with a bite and a brew:
The atmosphere at Craft Brew House in Birkdale was electric last Saturday and you can expect more of the same tomorrow night as the game is broadcast live on two screens. Nestled on Birkdale Road, grab your Tilly mates and head down for not only Wings Wednesday, but also the chance to see football history in the making.
Grab some buffalo wings with Sweet Baby Rays sauce or share a carnivore pizza with marinated chicken, pepperoni, bacon, smoked ham and BBQ sauce as you prepare to lose your voice along with rest of the country as the Matildas waltz on in the World Cup.
There is an English pub vibe and fare on the menu at Hope and Anchor on Given Terrace in Paddington – where better to watch the Tillies take down England on their way to an historic first World Cup final.
Housed in a heritage-listed 19th Century bakery, this atmospheric bar and restaurant gives a nod to British settlers who built the area, reflected in pub-style service, food and drink; join the gang tomorrow night for charred octopus, fermented chilli Romesco and olive coral, before sharing a Wagyu tomahawk steak, served with roasted potatoes and wilted greens.
As well as the football on the big screen, Wednesday is when you can order a mouth-watering tender steak and get the second one for half price at Lucky Star Tavern on Hellawell Road in Sunnybank. Pouring beers and serving pub grub since 1941, this is a true local watering hole with a refurbished gaming room, an outdoor dining area and a function space.
Get ready to free-kick your way into the final with starters like Peking duck spring rolls and sticky plum sauce, before mains of garlic cream prawns served on fragrant jasmine rice with broccolini and cherry tomatoes.
Tucked away at the top of town, head to Beenleigh Bowls Club on Hanover Street to watch the action on the big screen. More than just a bowls club, this family-friendly eatery boasts a warm and inviting ambience of clean lines, white-clothed tables and wooden flooring, alongside the buzz of lively conversation as locals mingle over an icy beer and shared meal.
Be prepared to get not only your Tilly on but also devour an epic steak meal deal of buy one and get the second half-price, or chow down on a Mexican beef burger with chilli con carne, lettuce, tomato, guacamole and corn chips.
