Co-host Australia takes on England for ticket to World Cup final

 

Australia's defense minister jokingly hands duties over to goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold

From CNN's George Ramsay

This is a huge semifinal between two age-old rivals, and Australia’s Minister for Defence Richard Marles (as a joke, of course) has announced that he's not up to the job.

In a video on X, formerly Twitter, Marles explained how it was his "solemn duty" to temporarily hand his duties to Matildas shot-stopper Mackenzie Arnold ahead of the game against England.

"Tonight, our country faces a grave threat and it comes from the old enemy," Marles said in the video.

"I know that I am unable to meet the moment, so this afternoon, it is my solemn duty to resign as Australia's Minister for Defence and I've handed my commission to Mackenzie Arnold.

"As Australia expects, I know that in this hour she will do us proud."

But tomorrow, Marles added, "Can you please give me back the keys?"