The Matildas may have fallen short of a podium finish at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, but they have won the hearts and minds of millions of Australians with their historic and heroic campaign.
A breakthrough tournament for women’s sport
The Matildas became the first Australian soccer team to reach the semifinals of a World Cup, where they faced England in a thrilling encounter at Stadium Australia in Sydney. Despite losing 3-1 to the eventual runners-up, the Matildas showed grit, skill and determination throughout the match, with captain Sam Kerr scoring a stunning equaliser in the first half.
The match was watched by a record-breaking 11.5 million viewers on Channel 7 and 7plus, making it the most-viewed program in Australian broadcast history. The Matildas also attracted huge crowds at their matches, with an average attendance of over 50,000 fans per game.
The Matildas’ success has created a springboard for bigger conversations and greater investment in women’s sport in Australia, as well as inspiring the next generation of female athletes. As Kerr said after the semifinal: “We’ve never come fourth before. Although it’s disappointing [now], we’ll think back to this in a couple of weeks and be really proud of how we did.”
A tough battle for bronze against Sweden
The Matildas had one more chance to end their tournament on a high when they faced Sweden in the third-place playoff at Brisbane Stadium. However, the world number three proved to be too strong for the hosts, who looked tired and frustrated after a gruelling month of football.
Sweden took the lead in the first half through a penalty by Fridolina Rolfö, after Clare Hunt fouled Stina Blackstenius in the box. The Swedes doubled their advantage in the second half when Blackstenius set up Kosovare Asllani for a clinical finish.
The Matildas tried to find a way back into the game, but were denied by some solid defending and goalkeeping by Sweden. Kerr, who played through pain after injuring her calf in the semifinal, had a couple of chances but could not convert them. Caitlin Foord also had a header cleared off the line in the dying minutes.
The final whistle confirmed Sweden’s 2-0 victory and their third-place finish, while the Matildas had to settle for fourth. It was a disappointing end to an otherwise glorious World Cup for Australia, who received a standing ovation from the 45,000 fans at the stadium.
A bright future ahead for the Matildas
Despite missing out on a medal, the Matildas have plenty to be proud of and optimistic about. They have achieved their best-ever result at a World Cup, beating some of the top teams in the world along the way, such as France, Canada and Brazil.
They have also showcased their talent, passion and personality on the global stage, earning praise and admiration from fans, media and fellow players. Kerr, who finished as the joint top scorer of the tournament with seven goals, was named in the FIFA Women’s World Cup Dream Team, along with defender Ellie Carpenter.
The Matildas have also paved the way for more opportunities and recognition for women’s football in Australia. The federal government has pledged $200 million to upgrade facilities and infrastructure for women’s sport across the country, while Football Australia has announced plans to increase funding and support for the W-League and grassroots football.
The Matildas will also have another chance to shine at home when they co-host the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2024 with New Zealand. The tournament will serve as a qualification event for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027, which Australia and New Zealand will also co-host.
The Matildas have shown that they belong with the elite in women’s football, and that they have the potential to go even further in the future. They have also shown that they are more than just a team – they are a movement that has changed Australian sport for good.
