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There have been few sporting events that have brought Perth to a standstill.
Traditionally, they've been the preserve of men, chasing a Sherrin.
In late September 1991, news bulletins carried images of deserted streets, no cars or people to be seen, as most of the city and the state gathered around televisions to watch the West Coast Eagles come apart against Hawthorn in their first-ever AFL grand final.
A year later the scenes were repeated when the Eagles fronted up at the MCG on the last Saturday in September, this time bringing the trophy home with them.
The city was also deserted in 1983 when Australia II won the America's Cup, but that was because the final race took place before dawn.
Ask any West Australian over the age of 50, though, and they'll tell you they were up all night watching along as history was made.
Four years later the city swelled as people flocked to watch the unsuccessful defence, Dennis Conner's Stars and Stripes making sure Australia's reign was brief.
We've been here before
There was a similar type of feeling on Saturday in Perth, as the Matildas took on France.
Hysteria had taken hold in lounge rooms, pubs and public piazzas across the state.
From the red dirt precinct in the north to local sports bars in the south, the entire state was cheering the Matildas on.
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In fact, one of the people who was onboard Australia II, John Longley, said the Matildas' journey to the World Cup semifinals took him right back to 1983.
"Last night the whole country was watching the Matildas," Longley said.
"How many of those people had actually played soccer or maybe watched soccer matches much before?
"Many, but certainly not the whole nation.
"How many people who watched Australia II had ever sailed, or ever actually watched a sailing match?"
Perth, like the rest of Australia, has been gripped by Matildas fever, and we are witnessing something unprecedented.
If TV figures are anything to go by, the last time the nation was this unified in support of something it was to cheer home Cathy Freeman in the 400 metres at the Sydney Olympics.
But these women, who ply their trade at home and all over the world, are creating something special.
And what a side they are.
Perth's own front and centre
At the back of it all, Mackenzie Arnold, a hero of the penalty shootout win over France, has kept four clean sheets in five matches so far.
In front of her, Steph Catley owns the left side of defence – providing a calm presence as well as powering plenty of forward thrusts.
Mary Fowler, just 20, is blessed with tremendous vision, and the ability to cut defences to ribbons with her pinpoint passing.
The penalty she bludgeoned past French goalkeeper Solene Durand made you feel sorry for the net.
And then the wounded talisman, Perth's own Sam Kerr, who is frequently mentioned in best-player-in-the-world discussions.
Whenever she enters the game, things happen. A nation has been praying for her left calf.
A city waltzing on
There's a cynical view that sport is entertainment, a product, a marketing vehicle.
But then there's also the feeling you get watching your local team, the community brought together in common cause.
This Matildas side brings the best of both worlds.
It's spiritual, unifying and edifying.
England, the old enemy, will be favourites. They've been here before, and have great talent all over the park.
But they should be nervous.
These Matildas do not know when they are beaten.
And they have us, a nation unified, gathered around screens of all shapes in solemn football communion.
And they'll have Sydney's Stadium Australia, rocking, waltzing, and willing them on.