![]() ![]() Image: Noe Llamas/SPP/IMAGO Australia prevail in Kerr's absence Steph Catley, captain in Sam Kerr's absence, scored her first World Cup goal - the winning goal - from the spot. If they can perform amid the hype, the crowds will stick around and state governments may be convinced to pour more funds into development of the game in Australia. Which is why there’s a lot of pressure on the Matildas to have a good run at the tournament. The game’s got so technical and has come so far, despite the lack of funding." "I caught the bus here and just to see that it’s three-quarters full with girls and women, that’s also just so cool. "We haven’t seen anything like this since the Olympics, it’s epic," fellow fan Ash added. ![]() It’s just so nice to see Australians really getting behind this code," Matildas fan Fiona said. "It’s pretty wild when you think about how far it’s come. With a population of just 25 million, Australia is a saturated sporting market and there have traditionally been four major sports: cricket, AFL/Aussie Rules, rugby league and rugby union. From being derided as a game for women, immigrants and homosexuals to the Matildas of 1999 needing to pose nude to raise funds, it’s been a constant battle for relevance. Image: Peter Dovgan/Uk Sports Pics Ltd/IMAGO 'We haven’t seen anything like this since the Olympics'įootball in Australia has never had an easy ride. "And hopefully we can pave the way for them and change football in Australia forever." Fans of all ages made up a 75,000-strong crowd in Sydney. "The generations coming through, they’re not going to have to fight the same battles we did," Gorry added. The game may never reach the zenith predicted by Warren but hosting football’s biggest event is a massive opportunity to grow the game. "It always takes time unfortunately but I think we were able to showcase what we really have in Australia. "We always believed football could be like this in Australia," midfielder Katrina Gorry said after asked about Warren’s iconic words. He strongly believed football would one day rule the roost in Australia and famously said that he wanted his legacy to be: "I told you so". Glory that hasn’t arrived easily and which is thanks to countless pioneers who loved the game amongst all the ridicule.įormer men’s international Johnny Warren was perhaps Australian soccer’s biggest advocate, pioneer, and fan. This night was of course a moment for all football fans, no matter their background, to bask in glory that has been a long time coming. ![]() It was nice tonight to step out on the field and wear the Australia jersey, but to be able to verse a country that I very much feel connected to," she told DW after the game. "Australia is quite special in that sense. And packing out the stands were Australians of various migrant backgrounds, whose diversity has helped build a modern nation.įor rising star striker Mary Fowler, who has Irish and Papua New Guinean roots, showcasing that multicultural society to the world is a proud moment. Waving high and proud above the country’s sporting heroes was the Australian Aboriginal flag, representing the original custodians of this land. And the 1-0 victory over Ireland ensured those fans went home with memories for life. It was a record crowd for a women’s football match in Australia, which easily surpassed the previous record of 50,629 set just a week earlier. Stadium Australia in Sydney was a nervous wreck of emotions as the Matildas began their World Cup journey in front of 75,784 fans adorned in green and gold.Īs Steph Catley pumped her fists in the air following an expertly-taken penalty, Australian football fans released a long-drawn breath and erupted in a united roar. Tears, spilled beers, elation, disbelief and a fulfiled fantasy that not too far in the past appeared a pipe dream. ![]()
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