FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023: Dylan Alcott jokes that Matilda’s win was ‘the closest thing ever to getting up’ as they beat France
Dylan Alcott screamed down the hall on Saturday as the Matildas advanced to the semifinals of the Women’s World Cup for the first time.
The former Australian of the Year, 32, was seen at his local pub, beer in hand, cheering along with fellow spectators as they watched the game on a TV.
When Australia’s own women’s national football team defeated France 0-0, 7-6 on penalties, wheelchair-bound Dylan joked that he had come the closest he’d ever come to standing.
“My god, that’s never been the closest to getting up.” Incredible effort. “MCG is here,” he captioned a video of his watch party on Twitter.
In the footage, Dylan could be seen lounging in front of the TV while among friends and other pub-goers.
Dylan Alcott, 32, caused quite a stir on Saturday as the Matildas (pictured) advanced to the semi-finals of the Women’s World Cup for the first time
When Cortnee Vine converted the winning penalty to seal the quarter-final win, the former tennis player screamed with delight and spilled his drink on the floor.
The crowd electrified as he turned to high-five the cheering onlookers around him.
This marks the Matildas’ first-ever advance to the semi-finals of the Women’s World Cup after beating France on Saturday night.
When Australia’s own women’s national football team defeated France 0-0, 7-6 on penalties, wheelchair-bound Dylan (pictured) joked that he’s the closest he’s ever come to standing
Mackenzie Arnold made three saves before 25-year-old Cortnee converted the winning penalty to seal the quarter-final win in the longest shootout in tournament history in front of a roaring 49,461 fans at Suncorp Stadium.
Matilda’s goalkeeper Mackenzie, 29, was named player of the match after her exploits in the penalty shoot-out, in which she made three saves.
Also crucial was a brilliant one-handed save by Arnold in the 107th minute after a rifle shot by 19-year-old French striker Vicki Becho.
The former Australian of the Year was seen at his local pub, beer in hand, cheering along with fellow spectators as they watched the game on a TV
“I’ve been trying to organize my thoughts and I kind of realized what just happened and it’s still penetrating me a bit,” Arnold told Channel 7.
“I think it will take a few days, but it’s going fast.”
“I think maybe we’ll have time to celebrate tonight and then we’ll revisit it tomorrow and move on to the next game.”
It was the third straight game the Matildas kept their opponent against clean sheets and their 13th win in 15 games.
This marks the Matildas’ first-ever advance to the semi-finals of the Women’s World Cup after beating France on Saturday night