After slightly bemoaning radio’s lack of Matilda’s hype before and during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Quarter Final against France, I am delighted to update you with where and how you can listen to the rest of the tournament.
Before I do, I was made aware that with the AFL and NRL playing out on ABC AM frequencies on Saturday evening, and the Matilda’s quarter finals running over time and then into the longest and tensest (I’ve still not fully recovered) penalty shootout, ABC Radio’s DAB+ channels picked up the broadcast, reading the room correctly.
ABC Capital City Radio has been broadcasting all the Matilda’s games, but would have missed last weekend’s game due to the AFL and NRL rights agreement if it had not used its DAB+ network for the heart stopping game.
ABC Radio Sydney supporting the Matildas: Sarah Macdonald, Josh Szeps, Karli Stewart, Natalie Aguis, David Murray
Semi-final coverage starts tonight, with the Spain vs Sweden match starting at 5.45pm (AEST) on the ABC listen app and on the ABC Sport digital channels.
Tomorrow night, Matildas vs England, ABC Radio will make the match available to listeners on its capital city and regional radio networks nationally, as well as through the ABC listen app and online. Coverage will start at 7.05pm (AEST), commentated by Ned Hall, with Teresa Polias and Daniel Garb.
I’m trying not to bring superstition into this by making any assumptions, but Sunday’s Final will also be available across all ABC Radio nationally and on digital, starting from 7.05pm (AEST).
ABC Coverage summary:
Tuesday 15 August – Semi Final
Spain v Sweden
ABC Radio coverage starts at 5.45pm
Commentator: Conor McNamara
Expert: Gilly Flaherty
Available on: ABC Sport DAB+ and ABC listen via the World Cup button.
Wednesday 16 August – Semi Final
Australia v England
ABC Radio coverage starts at 7.05pm
Commentator: Ned Hall. Expert commentary from Teresa Polias. Sideline commentary from Daniel Garb.
Available on: Analogue: ABC Radio (nationally); DAB+; ABC Sport; and ABC listen via the World Cup button.
Sunday 20 August – FIFA Women’s World Cup Final
Coverage starts at 7.05pm
Commentator: Ned Hall
Available on: Analogue: ABC Radio (nationally); DAB+: ABC Sport and ABC listen via the World Cup button.
ABC Radio Adelaide Matildas Fan Zone OB
Moving on to the Sports Entertainment Network (SEN), tomorrow, on their digital channel SEN Fanatic, they will host a Matildathon with every moment of every game of their campaign to date aired from 8am. The France quarter final airs from 3.54pm, concluding at 7pm giving you just time to heave a deep shuddering breath before the semifinal.
SEN Fanatic is available on DAB+ and SEN digital platforms, including the SEN app.
SEN will be there to call the final from Stadium Australia with hosts Jordan Kounelis and Elissia Carnavas broadcasting the entire match throughout the SEN network. SEN will also broadcast and provide commentary of the third-place match on Saturday.
SEN Content Manager Julian Bayard said:
“We have been there to broadcast every moment of play for the Australian games and the entire tournament, and we couldn’t be more excited to call this big match against England.
“We want to relive what it has taken for Australia to get to this point, and our Matildathon on SEN Fanatic will serve as a great build-up to what will be a historic night. We are proud that our team will be right there to call all the action right throughout the SEN network.”
Can’t wait. I’d love to know whether you plan to listen to the game, where and how, and GO MATILDAS!
Main Pic: ABC Radio Melbourne team flying the flag for the Matildas