Former Matilda Amy Chapman was bursting with pride on the eve of the Matilda’s World Cup semi-final against England tomorrow.

Chapman joined Adam Papalia on Wide World of Sports on Tuesday night and having represented her country 20 times, the Optus Sport Football expert could barely contain her excitement and joy for what the Matildas have done in their home World Cup.

“I genuinely get emotional thinking about this. It’s been a long time coming for this sport.”

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“There’s something about this Matilda’s team. They’re really likable. They’ve all got really raw, really beautiful stories.”

“And now people are realising these girls are really talented. They play with a lot of speed, a lot of athleticism and they’re very talented. And now we have the platform to put it out there for people to see.”

Chapman spoke of the way young girls can now aspire to be like their heroes, a privilege she wishes she had.

“I remember I watched Harry Kewell play and came home and insisted my Mum cut all my hair off because that’s what I thought it took.”

“It’s so powerful because I had no role models but now this next generation doesn’t have to hesitate to commit to being a full time footballer if they want to.”

The Matilda’s face England at Stadium Australia for a place in the World Cup Final on Saturday night.