A Margarita with the Matildas? Sydney pubs go large

A decade ago a regional women's soccer tournament would have attracted a proverbial man and a dog to watch in Australia. 

Now the Matildas are a box office drawcard and pubs across Sydney are planning watch parties for the  
AFC Women’s Asian Cup, which runs from March 1-21. 

Solotel pubs are turning up the volume with venues including Sackville Hotel, The Golden Sheaf and The Woodstock offering live, big-screen action. 

In celebration of the tournament, Margs for the Matildas will be flowing with $12 margaritas during every Matildas match.

 Plus, fans at The Clock in Surry Hills can enjoy a free margarita in partnership with Patrón Tequila for the first Matildas' goal in each game they play (subject to conditions). 

Here are some of the venues getting in on the fun:

The Clock, Surry Hills; Sackville Hotel, Rozelle; Golden Sheaf, Double Bay; Public House, Petersham; The Woodstock, Rooty Hill; Kings Cross Hotel, Potts Point; The Albion, Parramatta; The Erko, Erskineville. 

Bookings are recommended. 

Bonza jumps on the Matildas' bandwagon - but leaves it too late

There is nothing like jumping on a bandwagon to seek some publicity.

And it is even more obvious when you time your stunt just a day too late.

In celebration of the Matildas' World Cup semi-final appearance, Australia's newest airline Bonza has promised to name its next aircraft 'Matilda'.

The airline with an eye for bogan appeal also has four aircraft named Shazza, Bazza, Sheila and Malc.

The fifth plane, due to arrive next year after the airline's Gold Coast base launch, will have Matilda painted on its side.

“Like the rest of the nation, our team of legends have been gripped by Matilda Mania thanks to their sportsmanship, mateship with one another and their pride in wearing the green and gold," says Carly Povey, Chief Commercial Officer at Bonza.

"As an airline that is solely focussed on Australia, it seemed fitting to name our next aircraft Matilda.

“From all of us here at Bonza, congratulations and well done to the Matildas for what you've achieved on and off the pitch.”

All a bit cheeky when you consider that Qantas is an "official partner " of the Matildas and actually spends money to support the team.