They were physically kicked, provoked and mentally tested by North Korea on Sunday night, but the Matildas pushed through exhaustion once again to stake a claim as Australia’s most beloved national sporting team.
The Wallabies, Baggy Greens and Socceroos may hold that title among many Australians, the Diamonds too, but it is hard to deny that the Matildas possess everything a team should strive to obtain.
Team spirit, doggedness, guts, skill, flair, determination… hyperbole truly does not do this group of women justice.
The lack of ego among the Matildas is probably the most endearing quality that can not be found in most other Australian sporting sides. Their presence on the Olympic stage come August will make their country proud.
For that is where the Matildas are headed after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over North Korea – Rio, Brazil.
It is more than deserved for a group that in the past year or so have reached new levels of commitment and performances against the odds. First they left jobs, studies, friends and family behind to train full-time in preparation for the World Cup, and their hard work was rewarded by escaping the Group of Death and making the quarter-finals.
Then there was the tough and brave decision to boycott two games against world champions the USA – the ultimate test for any professional – to stand up for their rights and women’s rights around the world.
The Matildas were rewarded with deserved pay rises and now they have shown what they can achieve when treated as full-time professionals.
The qualifying campaign for Rio started with a shock 3-1 victory against World Cup finalists Japan, who subsequently failed to bounce back from the early loss and will not be booking flights to Rio.
Two relatively smoother games against Vietnam (9-0) and South Korea (2-0) followed before the defining moment against North Korea. While they only required a draw to progress to Rio, it was their fourth game in eight days. Four games in eight days, it is worth repeating.
Once again, Elise Kellond-Knight, Alanna Kennedy, Emily van Egmond and Steph Catley started the match – the first two have played every second of the 360 minutes, while the latter two have been subbed off just once each. An astonishing effort.
The North Koreans’ gameplan was to frustrate their opponents, and their antics in the first half especially were overzealous to say the least. But amid the physical assaults the Matildas did well to (largely) keep their cool, and were rewarded on 18 minutes when Michelle Heyman put Australia in front.
Caitlin Foord, contender among many for woman of the match, cut the ball back into the North Korean box, and Heyman coolly converted the chance, notching up her third goal of qualifying.
Yet North Korea were pre-tournament favourites for a reason, and they fought back tenaciously for the remainder of the half. The only reason they did not level the scores was due to goalkeeper Lydia Williams, whose positioning and awareness was quality to foil three dangerous assaults.
After the break the Matildas began to show signs of losing focus amid their opponent’s heavy-handed tactics, and there were shaky periods for fans watching back home.
Williams was again forced to make a clutch save in the 55th minute.
Yet coach Alen Stajcic, just like his players, stepped up again too, making vital substitutions – Lisa De Vanna in the 57th and Kyah Simon in the 71st – to give his side an extra boost.
The Matildas got back on top though could not find a killer second, Katrina Gorry forcing two top saves from Hong Myong-Hui.
And it was North Korea who hit back against the run of play. Clare Polkinghorne, a colossus all qualifying, was pulled out of position, allowing Kim Su-Gyong to hit an unstoppable equaliser past Williams.
It was a harsh blow, and one that may have forced a lesser team to crumple in a heap. Indeed, the Matildas were struggling to keep their shape and looked vulnerable at times. But despite fatigue inevitably sinking in they found a new level.
On 83 minutes, De Vanna showed her experience drawing four defenders and somehow threading a pass to fellow substitute Simon. The 5″5′ forward sent a low cross into the box, finding Foord, who laid off an intelligent ball for Gorry to smash into the net.
The final minutes passed slowly, with almost every Matilda playing out of position at some point in order to cover for their teammates. When the final whistle blew… it was pandemonium.
The Matildas’ celebration was heartwarming, the genuine delight and passion on their faces a sight that brought many – including Channel Seven commentator and former footballer Melissa ‘Bubs’ Barbieri – to tears.
De Vanna’s exuberant celebrations had already been impressive, yet she topped it off with a trademark Australian victory cry directed at the television cameras.
Gold.
And that is the colour these Matildas could be wearing around their necks come August. It is no longer a dream but a possibility to win the tournament in Rio.
These women, backed by a committed FFA quickly catching up and realising their potential, are more than capable of causing major problems for the world’s best at the Olympics.
Whether they manage to win a medal or not, the same commitment, the same attractive playing style and the same endearing team spirit will be on show. There is little doubt – the Matildas are fast becoming Australia’s favourite sporting side.
paulie bro
Guest
Funny you should say that - many recent migrant make exactly that comment. It can be annoying for those who want to see a sport their home country excels in. Commonwealth Games coverage is often worse.
Punter
Guest
People from O/S would be shocked at the FTA 's(Channel 7) coverage of the olympics, seeing endless replays of Australian gold, meeting their first coach at 7 years old, who knew that one day they would be Olympic champion instead of watching live sport of the 2nd greatest sporting event in the world.
Waz
Guest
Sorry but that's a big NO to that statement - the foundations for this success (and the WC that preceded it) have been laid down over the last five years and not some "blip" effect from CFG. Undoubtedly CFG have raised the bar in women's football (which is great) but whether that will lead to others being able to follow is debatable. But either way the benefits of CFG will be felt at the next WC/Olympics - for now credit goes to the clubs, coaches, associations and players who did all the hard yards before CFG boarded the train.
Peter Cotton
Guest
Great result! A couple of issues though. 5 games in 10 days? Same for every other team I thought. Our winning goal "smashed" into the net? I think "steered" would be a more apt description. Now to Rio, via decent lead up matches. No more economy class travel arrangements? No more 3 star accommodation arrangements? As a former small business owner who has seen the unproductive side of unionism, it was disappointing that The Matildas had to take industrial action to gain a satisfactory outcome. No gold medal to FFA, but hopefully one for the Matildas in Rio.
FIUL
Guest
Australia could easily have got a red card for Logarzo's tackle - that was reckless, late & could've done serious damage. The Nth Korean definitely should've got a red. But, let's deal with what occurred; not what could've happened. I saw Australia played off the park until De Vanna came on at 60'. If you're happy with the way the women played - fine. If we play like that in Rio, we won't make it out of the Group.
JB
Guest
Yeah, except there should have been a red card to N Korea and possibly a penalty to Australia, so not flattered at all.
SM
Guest
You're making an assumption that I don't have Foxtel. I do, but I'm thinking of the fans who are not able to have it for whatever reason, and are stuck with the sub-par FTA offering.
The OG AlBo
Roar Guru
Thanks for reminding me about the women's 7s team! The very, very few opportunities I've had to watch them play they've been awesome. If they had the same exposure as the Matildas (which says a lot about the need for more women's team sport on tv) it would be a close run thing. It would be great if Fox Sports released a sports channel which showcased the best of women's sports around the world. Would be great for young kids too, boys and girls alike, to choose to watch mens or womens sport at their choosing. Even if it was mostly replays.
Ron Jeremy
Guest
Yeah, they will. Their coverage is beyond woeful. But if you love it that much you need to dig in and get Foxtel sports. If you don't want to do that, don't complain about 7's coverage. Fox's coverage of London 2012 was great. Whole channels devoted to specific sports. I saw no diving, no synchronised swimming, no equestrian. Best of all, no Joanna Griggs crapping on for hours (nothing personal against her, I just wanted to watch live sport, not her).
Ron Jeremy
Guest
Same with me AIBo. Am a rugby (and football and NRL) tragic and these girls are now one of my faves (along with the womens' 7s rugby side who are also fantastic and ranked number one in the world). Stayed up late (for an old fella) to watch this game to the end. And what a cracker of a match. Spiteful, tough and skillfull and I agree, it could easily have gone the other way. Anyone else notice that every single player in the NK side had exactly the same haircut/style ... ? It even got me becoming a bit philosphical ... I love sport and I love to see Australia do well no matter what the code. Which forced me to reflect on the depth and diversity of sport in Australia these days... this weekend Australian sides won in SA in the men's T20, came second to Fiji in the mens' 7s in the US, and qualified for the olympics in womens' football. That's not to even mention the local/Australasian etc competitions in the A League, NRL, Super rugby, AFL and mens' basketball.
hogdriller
Roar Rookie
Very well put Janek...."Team spirit, doggedness, guts, skill, flair, determination"… Last years World Cup, it was clear that they deserved recognition for their efforts, to be supported both on and off the field......they weren't asking for much, just a fair go. And now to have played this many games in as many days and show how they can lift themselves up whilst getting the odd boot thrown in from the N.Koreans who then drew level ? They deserved that win last night and to go thru......nothing less. So proud of you all, go the Matildas.
The OG AlBo
Roar Guru
Only my rusted on, lifetime obsession with rugby prevents me from saying they are my number one national team, but my god are they close. So proud of the Matildas.
Ian
Guest
That was a brilliant game and a great tournament. Can't wait to see them in action again. The women's team really plays some good football.
Marc
Guest
Yeah I read the same somewhere ... possibly up to 5th: https://www.facebook.com/auswomensgame/photos/a.271068219600575.67446.118568318183900/1165904720116916/?type=3&theater
Marc
Guest
That second goal by Katrina Gorry was sublime. The set-up by Caitlin Foord and the sweet sweet strike by Gorry which went in off the post was so smooth, so technically difficult, and timed perfectly with just 7 minutes to go.
Torchbearer
Guest
I also imagine after this giant killing run their ranking will go up a couple of spots....say 7....
Patrick Effeney
Editor
So good. So, so good.
SM
Guest
You just know that the muppets at Channel Seven will relegate it behind the swimming. Magnificent from the Matildas from the very beginning of the tournament. The only criticism I have is the occasional panicky defending. As mentioned, the powerhouse sides would have buried the opportunities that were coughed up.
paulie bro
Guest
I think some credit (oh heavens I'm a Victory fan and I'm about to spew) should go to the City Football Group. Their investment in the women's game and enabling the ladies to train FT has been a watershed and the benefits for the NT are clear to see. The City girls seemed to have that little bit more in the tank and brought their team-mates with them, one of the few times when the "rising tide" theory appears to have worked. I hope other clubs can follow suit, though the $$$ have to flow in for this to happen, something CFG doesn't go for want of.
Claypole
Guest
Congratulations ladies - well deserved!