17 August 2023 , 07:53
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BBC broadcaster Matt Graveling has explained his reason for not covering the Women's World Cup semi-final match yesterday.
The sports presenter was delighted as he confirmed his partner had welcomed their "IVF miracle" child shortly after Ella Toone scored the match's first goal before the Lionesses' went on to storm the pitch with a 3-1 victory over Australia's Matildas. Matt, who is a senior sports reporter for the publicly funded organisation boasting a "wealth of experience" in the news and sport industry.
Having joined the sports desk in 2022 as a freelance reporter, he explained that it's not often that somebody of his level would miss covering such an event. But he had the most perfect excuse as he shared an adorable snap of his newborn daughter while watching the match from hospital.
BBC broadcaster Matt Graveling has revealed he welcomed a daughter on Wednesday (@mattgraveling/Twitter)Matt said: "It's not often @BBCSport reporters miss England in a World Cup Semi final but my future lioness had other ideas! Our little IVF miracle arrived seconds after @ellatoone99 smashed in the opener and so managed to watch the 2nd half. @lionesses you have a new fan for the final!"
His post which has been liked over 2,100 times was instantly flooded with messages of celebration from his BBC colleagues, with Reeta Chakrabarti penning: "How lovely, many congratulations Matt!" While Martine Croxall added: "Wonderful!"
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"Fantastic win(s) for you!!! Congratulations!," typed BBC Breakfast and 5 Live broadcaster Naga Munchetty. Sanchia Berg tweeted: "Congratulations!!" While Sky News' Political Correspondent Amanda Akass wrote: "Congrats Matt!! What lovely news!"
His little Lioness arrived just in time to watch the second half of the semi-final (@mattgraveling/Twitter)Matt's wonderful news meant that his little daughter was able to "watch" the second half which saw Lauren Hemp score the second goal, with Alessia Russo going on to net the third and final goal – meaning the team sailed through to the final. The team, coached by Sarina Wiegman will go head-to-head with our European neighbours, Spain on Sunday.
Speaking shortly after the match concluded, Lucy Bronze told the BBC: "This is the one thing I've always wanted to get to the Final of a World Cup. After two times of getting disappointed... I can't believe it. We all dreamed of being in the Final and all of our family of friends have booked to stay here for the Final because they believed in us."
After the sensational game came to an end, celebs were quick to praise the Lionesses, with even Prince William taking to Twitter to share a personal post. The Prince of Wales said: "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."