Matildas’ journey en route to quarter-finals

Australian football has always been perceived as a realm full of potential and promise; however its overseas counter-parts have never considered the nation as part of the elite class, until now.

Melissa Barbieri, Samantha Kerr, Collette McCallum, Kyah Simon, Lisa De Vanna and Sally Shipard are some of the fresh faces Australians recognise as their idols.

The Matildas journey into the quarter-finals of the Women’s World Cup has seemingly captured the imagination and hearts of the football community, as well as the wider sporting public.

For those who aren’t aware, the Matildas will be playing in the quarter-finals for the second successive World Cup, after their voyage in 2007 was brought to a halt by a superior Brazilian outfit, eclipsing the Australian’s 3-2, in a highly competitive contest.

This year, the Matildas will be facing Sweden, a revered outfit in the women’s game, holding an exceptional world ranking of five.

In contrast the Matildas boast a prominent ranking of 11, a feat helped by their triumph at the recent 2010 Asian Cup campaign, where the girls claimed bragging rights by winning the competition and embraced the honour of being the first representative Australian outfit to win a major tournament.

Although the Matildas reached the same stage of the 2007 World Cup, held in China, there appears to be major discrepancy in the amount of coverage surrounding the women’s game.

Both in Australia and abroad the women’s competition has received an injection of media presence.

The host nation, Germany has played a major role in facilitating such a wonderful tournament, amid record breaking crowds, unprecedented sums of coverage through the various print outlets, the internet and an outstanding marketing campaign.

When we glance closer to home, the Matildas have obtained a profusion of media attention unforseen for the women’s game.
Their fluent style football and charming good looks do help the cause, however the publics embrace to call the Matildas their own is the most alarming reason.

With resemblance to the Socceroos’ memorable World Cup expedition in 2006, the Matildas are beginning to resemble into a household name.

Australians love a team that have spirit, battle for what they believe in and give100 per cent devotion to the cause. That’s what makes us proud to be Australian.

All this in mind, the Matildas have been on the pages of the diverse print media outlets, television networks and notably have made their presence felt within the social media world.

The players, along with senior coach Tom Sermanni and his assistant Spencer Prior have used the social medium Twitter to communicate, engage and connect with the thousands of supporters.

Opening up to their experiences, feelings and thoughts at the tournament, the players’ have been perceived as gracious, accessible sportswomen who are strengthening the Matildas brand name into an attractive entity.

As confirmation of the elated awareness the Matildas’ have transpired, the quarter-final fixture with Sweden on Sunday night, 9pm (AEST), will be broadcast at live venues around the nation – and The Roar is live blogging the game.

Venues in the vein of Federation Square in Melbourne made illustrious for broadcasting the Socceroos’ World Cup games will now become the centrepiece for the females. It is truly a remarkable feat for women’s football and sport in general.

With all this in mind, the Matildas’ encounter with the stupendous Swedish team will be the Aussies grandest occasion yet on the world stage. Thus far, the Matildas have had contrasting fortunes in the group stages.

In their opening game against the might of Brazil, the Matildas were their own worst enemy, squandering several chances before a touch of brilliance saw the Brazilians scrape away with a 1-0 victory.

With a first up loss, the young Matildas’ outfit showcased their competitive edge with an attractive brand of football, exemplifying a thought routine passing game, whilst holding possession and acquiring an attacking mentality.

Venturing into their second match against the unknown Equatorial Guinea, the Matildas’ replicated their game-plan and thankfully, it payed dividends.

With arguably the worst refereeing decision in World Cup history to against the Australians, the Matildas’ fought robustly to record a 3-2 triumph. Goals from Leena Khamis, Emily van Egmond and Lisa De Vanna sealed the victory.

Two uncharacteristic defensive lapses by Servet Uzunlar handed Equatorial Guinea their set of goals. Despite the mistakes, the Matildas’ sound performance was pleasant to witness.

Heading into the final group game, Australia only needed a draw to cement their spot in the quarter-finals; however it would be against an opponent with an impressive pedigree.

Their challenger Norway, erstwhile world champions, in 1995 were an opposition Australia had never beaten.

However, the Matildas put this statistic to bed with a commanding display to ultimately claim an inspirational 2-1 victory. Young sensation, Kyah Simon, 20, was the hero netting two impressive goals.

With a lovely display of football on hand, the Matildas’ compressed Norway’s attack and held the mental strength to eventually triumph.

Conversely, the Matildas’ encompassed some concerns. At times the defence seemed lethargic, slow to react to Norway’s presence with miscommunication between the keeper and defender resulting in the goal.

Norway’s unstylish direct route of football caused the Matildas’ many headaches on several occasions. Inability to deal with the long-ball and slow responsiveness were worrying signs. If this is replicated against the Swedish, the Matildas’ will be riding their luck.

Hopefully Matildas’ coach, Tom Sermanni can repair these problems at the back, ahead of the clash with Sweden.

Despite the lack of experience by the youthful Matildas’, boasting an average age of 21.9 years, the youngest of any nation at the World Cup, the girls have illustrated their intent to play an attractive brand of football and compete with the best in the world. The girls possess a wealth of talent, with Lisa De Vanna as a case in point.

Her exploits of four goals at the previous World Cup saw her named in the all-star team picked by FIFA for the 2007 tournament.

Australia has what it takes to exploit an impressive Swedish outfit. If the team is able to stay composed and play the flowing brand of football demonstrated so far, then there’s no telling how far this Matildas outfit can go in Germany. Best of luck girls, the nation is well and truly behind you!

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