A Redcar woman has won an incredible opportunity to watch the Lionesses at the World Cup Final.

Emma Makin, 39, spent 15 years as an English teacher before making the leap into the world of football.

Last November she got a job working as a coordinator at FIFA with a focus on women’s football.

She put her name in the hat for tickets to the world cup semi-final and final.

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Emma described the atmosphere in Australia as ‘electric’ during the build up to the semi.

The Northern Echo: The stadium lit up for the semi-final

She said: “The team I work with try to promote different countries domestic games.

“We want to highlight all football.

“As part of that effort our team were offered some tickets and I was one of the lucky ones who won.

“The atmosphere in Sydney is unbelievable. The city has completely got on board.

The Northern Echo: The atmosphere in Sydney was buzzing in the build up to the match

“There are huge posters of players on the skyscrapers.

“The actual atmosphere of the match was lovely, there were kids there and even though we were outnumbered the England fans made their voices heard.

“The standard of football in the match was excellent, Australia were very good and they have come a long way.

“What I find really interesting is that it’s usually England on the end of the heartache.

“What Sarina has instilled in the team is a real sense of confidence.

“Even in an atmosphere like that when they’re being booed whenever they get the ball they were so calm.

“There is a real sense of fun in the team too, it’s just amazing to see.”

The Northern Echo: Emma celebrating England's win

Looking forward to the final against Spain on August 20 the nerves are beginning to set in.

Emma predicts that England will have enough to go all the way and bring the world cup home.

She added: “I think on Saturday the nerves will kick in.

“On Sunday I’ll be working and I might do a bit of sight-seeing to distract myself.

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“It’s going to be a difficult game but I have got belief.

“I’m slightly worried that we won’t have much support in the stands but I think it’ll be 2-1 to England.

“I couldn’t take it going to extra time and penalties.”