Woman's Day Issue 35, 2023

Wow! What a week! I don't know about you but I'm still recovering from Matildas mania! Prior to the FIFA Women's World Cup, like many around the country, I would never have sat down to watch a soccer game on the telly. Now, not only have I become a Matildas mega fan, I'm considering signing up for my local soccer team (yep, it's a scary thought). In this issue, Woman's Day celebrates the Mighty Matildas and we share all the exciting moments from on and off the field. We also catch up with former Blockheads Brad and Lara at their Byron Bay home to see what they've been up to since appearing on the show in season five, and we go on tour with the stars of Gogglebox, who share…

Beach time! Paris Hilton, husband Carter Reum and seven-month-old son Phoenix had the beach toys at the ready as they cooled off during a family holiday to Hawaii. Royal reunion Years after they played mother and daughter on the comedy series The Royals, Liz Hurley caught up with “Mommy Dearest” Joan Collins. Bend it like Becks! Daddy's girl It looks like David Beckham has passed his love of soccer down to his youngest, Harper! The 12-year-old also caught up with fellow soccer great Lionel Messi in Florida. One, two… say selfie! It was a busy morning for radio host Kate Ritchie, who gave away her car to a lucky listener before snapping some selfies with Fitzy and Wippa! Vacation time Final show for the tour done, next stop – St…

From the very beginning of this epic Women's World Cup, Sam Kerr carried the expectations of the nation on her shoulders. And despite the Matildas’ crushing semifinal defeat, her golden goal in the 63rd minute had the whole of Australia bursting with pride. Reflecting on our national team's incredible performances, the star striker wants the country to know how much the past few weeks have meant to her. “We're all just really proud of each other and just wish we could've got over the line,” she said last week. “But no matter what happens, I wouldn't want to be on any other team. This is my team, my mates, my best mates, I love them all to death.” A soccer insider tells Woman's Day that despite her obvious heartbreak over…

Matilda mania took over the country in the past few weeks as fans celebrated our soccer heroines – and Aussies overseas made sure to cheer on the national squad from afar. Nicole Kidman posted, “Matildas you have our hearts, we're so proud of you!” after the semifi nal, while wheelchair tennis icon Dylan Alcott posted a clip of himself celebrating Sam Kerr's epic goal, captioning his excitement, “[The] closest I've ever been to standing up!” US actress Natalie Portman proved herself worthy of being an honorary Aussie by attending last Wednesday's match wearing a Matildas beanie and green and gold face paint as she watched the live match next to tennis legend Billie Jean King. Sunrise’s Sam Mac donned a Mary Fowler strip while Jimmy Barnes was pitchside with wife…

Making news RECORD BREAKING Australia's quarter-final game against France had the longest penalty shootout in World Cup history – men's or women's. While they've captured the hearts of Australia, there's one group of people who have always known how special the Matildas are – their proud families. Caitlin Foord's mum Simone has spent the past month following the team around the country in an experience she calls “an emotional rollercoaster” “I'm extremely proud of Caitlin and all the hard work and sacrifices she has had to make to fulfil her dream of becoming a Matilda,” Simone tells Woman's Day exclusively. “We are just so extremely proud of Caitlin and the [team] for what they have achieved at this World Cup.” Caitlin has always credited her success to single mum Simone,…

It was the ultimate battle of the Commonwealth when Australia went head-to-head with England in last week's semifi nal clash. But in true royal diplomatic style, King Charles and Prince William delivered congratulatory messages to both teams. “What a phenomenal performance from the Lionesses – on to the final!” wrote the Prince of Wales. “Commiserations to the Matildas, you've played brilliantly and been fantastic co-hosts of this World Cup.” C'mon William, we know you're a secret Tillies fan!…