By Leigh O'Connor.
It’s time to make history Australia…get behind the Matildas in their FIFA Women’s World Cup knockout match against Denmark at Accor Stadium in Sydney on Monday night.
After demolishing Olympic champion Canada 4-0 in their final pool game, the Matildas set up a clash with the Danish national side in the round of 16, where a win will see Australia progress to the quarterfinals on home turf.
Want to know where to get your Matilda on in Sydney for the big game? Try these four venues for an Aussie, Aussie, Aussie…Oi, Oi, Oi good time:
Get the royal touch while watching the big name at The Prince on Morgan Street in Merewether. Set over two levels, this local favourite boasts not only a sports bar and dining room, but also a balcony bar – all offering a modern approach to pub dining from classics to pizza and seafood.
Drop in on Monday wearing your green and gold and pair a drink of choice with Southern fried chicken wings to start with blue cheese sauce and pickles, then score with a main of blue swimmer crab linguine, chilli, garlic, lemon and parsley or chicken parmigiana, double smoked ham, Napolitana sauce, fries and slaw.
Redfern locals heading out for the game find inner-city pub Lord Raglan on Henderson Road to unwind with a cold drink in hand. Servicing a loyal following, chill out in relaxing surrounds of exposed brick, dark wood table settings and glowing cane lights to peruse a menu of small share plates and classic pub meals.
Nothing says ‘Go Matildas’ more than a Raglan cheeseburger with Wagyu beef patty, grilled bacon, cheddar, Swiss cheese, caramelised onion, tomato, beetroot, lettuce and aioli, paired with an ice-cold Coopers Pale or glass of Chain of Fire Pinot Noir.
Evolving to meet the changing needs of locals, Moore Park View Hotel on Dowling Street in Waterloo has been serving cold beer and fine fare since the early 1930s. Join the crowd to watch the Matildas, entertain friends or drop in for a quiet drink and meal at this warm and inviting venue.
Get ready for kick-off with grazing plates of salt and pepper squid, chilli, garlic, shallots and lemon aioli, or chilli beef and bean nachos, before a second half refuel of beer-battered fish and chips, salad, lemon and tartar sauce.
In the heritage-listed fire station of North Sydney, Firehouse Hotel offers a cosy escape for good food in warm, welcoming surrounds. Refurbished with soft glowing chandeliers, padded olive booths, low-hanging lights and round timber tables, Firehouse’s classic interior is a fitting setting for lively groups craving football action.
Stave off game hunger with a Firehouse pizza - spicy sopressa salami, caramelised onion, green chilli, shaved pecorino, rocket and Firehouse sauce - or deconstructed slow-braised beef pie in red wine, with vegetables, mash, peas and puff pastry.
