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The Matildas, though physically dominated by England in the first half, made a much better showing in the second, but even with a spectacular worldie from Sam Kerr some unfortunate missed chances and excellent game management from the Lionesses meant that a World Cup Final wasn’t to be for the Matildas this time.
Tiredness was definitely a factor and the unfortunate concussion absence of Alanna Kennedy from the defensive four also did not help.
All of Australia were hoping the Matilda’s would prevail, but in the end England’s players – the majority playing at big clubs in the Women’s Super League – were deserved winners, and as reigning European champions they showed their big game experience physically in the first half and slowed down the play in the second half with clever game management.
What a ride it’s been! This tournament’s crowds, viewing numbers, and media coverage has confirmed the Matildas as Australia’s new most beloved national sports team. Over the past three weeks they have changed women’s sport and football in Australia forever.
Where do we go from here? First, there is the third place play-off against Tony Gustavsson’s home country Sweden today. Despite the disappointment of losing to England, the short turnaround, and the travel to Brisbane, the Matildas should have no trouble motivating themselves with a third-place medal on offer, which would mean not going home ’empty-handed’, and would be their best finish at a World Cup. (As would fourth place if they were to lose).
And after that? There will most likely be some big moves to big clubs for players such as Clare Hunt, Kyra Cooney-Cross, and perhaps Cortnee Vine, among others.
There has been a lot of talk about the lack of government funding for football when compared to other sports such as AFL and rugby league. Football is the No.1 participation sport in Australia but does not receive anywhere near proportional government funding.
It will be interesting to see if the incredible interest from the public which made politicians jump on the bandwagon (and forced the normally disinterested in football mainstream media to belatedly devote more time and resources to their football coverage) results in more government funding for football at either grassroots or professional level, or both. Here’s hoping.
Will the Matildas’ success and popularity result in an uptick for the A-League Women and Men competitions? Time will tell.
(Photo by Richard Callis/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
The actions of a few selfish Melbourne Victory anti-fans in December last year after the Socceroo’s success in making the last 16 at the Qatar World Cup and narrowly being eliminated by eventual champions Argentina means that we will never know if the A-League Men would have received a boost from those fantastic Socceroos performances.
Crowd and viewing records for both men’s and women’s football have been smashed multiple times throughout this tournament. It really does feel like the game has changed permanently for the Matildas in terms of crowds, online viewing and the general level of interest from the public and media. Long may it continue!
Thank you for this wonderful journey so far and the best of luck against Sweden!
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