Prince William commiserates with Matildas but one soccer great is having none of it

As millions of fans rallied around the Matildas following their loss in the FIFA Women’s World Cup semi-final, Prince William joined the deafening chorus of commiserations.

In what was probably one of the most anticipated matches in Australian sporting history, the Matildas’ World Cup dreams were left in tatters after suffering a devastating defeat at the hands of a clinical England side.

In front of 75,000 avid fans, the Matildas suffered a  3-1 defeat against England’s Lionesses on Wednesday, August 16th, at Sydney Olympic Park.

Their stellar performance during the fierce contest drew the attention of millions of soccer fans old and new with even Prince William offering heartfelt words of consolation following their disappointing loss.

What a phenomenal performance from the @Lionesses – on to the final! Commiserations to @TheMatildas, you’ve played brilliantly and been fantastic co-hosts of this World Cup. W

— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) August 16, 2023

Fans couldn’t help but praise Prince William for his kind words while also offering the Matildas all the best.

Lovely inclusive message ❤️

— Tris Morris (@TheMorrisLand) August 16, 2023

The Tillys did us proud! ???????????????? Well done Lionesses, hope it comes home!

— Tanya Poulter (@tanyapoulter) August 16, 2023

Love you, W. PHENOMENAL performance by the Lionesses. ???? ???? ????

— jen (@JenCarsonTaylor) August 16, 2023

congrats to the Lionesses, win or lose Tillies you’ve done us proud this World Cup this is the best we’ve done at a Soccer World Cup Male and Female. Good luck against Spain Lionesses

— Renee Burge (@qlotti) August 16, 2023

While the rest of the world enjoyed the warm and fuzzy feels following Prince William’s message of support for Matildas’ heroic world cup efforts, one soccer great reacted quite differently.

The former Socceroo and devoted Republican Craig Foster slammed Prince William’s reaction to the Matildas’ devastating World Cup defeat against England.

Hey @KensingtonRoyal, you’ve been proudly supporting England all tournament.

Not a word for Australia.

Not that we expect it.

We prefer the honesty. Without the patronising pat on the head in defeat.

Support @lionesses & let us get on with our business, mate.@AusRepublic https://t.co/acXfLsTK3K pic.twitter.com/FCecZhFg1l

— Craig Foster (@Craig_Foster) August 16, 2023

The scathing comment received considerable backlash from fans with many calling Foster a bad sport while accusing him of using the game to further his republican political ideals.

Craig – what is the purpose of this tweet? Of course they will support their own country. And really, who cares? Nothing wrong with saying well done to the Matildas. Most people call that good sportsmanship

— Jordana (@bosco_17) August 16, 2023

What a silly comment. It is always better to be gracious winners and also to congratulate your opponent and thank a fantastic host. Just because you are anti Royal don’t let your bigotry get in the way of what was a fantastic effort by the Matildas.

What a silly comment. It is always better to be gracious winners and also to congratulate your opponent and thank a fantastic host. Just because you are anti Royal don’t let your bigotry get in the way of what was a fantastic effort by the Matildas.

— Hammers Fan (@Stephen22374580) August 17, 2023

What a weird take on a quite gracious sentiment.

That’s a big chip you’ve got on that shoulder of yours

— Lolo (@66mc66) August 17, 2023

The Matildas will take on Sweden this Saturday, August 19 in the playoffs for third place.