The FIFA Women’s World Cup has captivated the Australian football public, breaking records and igniting a newfound passion for the sport across the country. The quarter-final match between Australia’s Matildas and France became the most-watched sports event in Australia since the Sydney Olympics, with millions of viewers tuning in to witness a thrilling penalty shoot-out.
Football has often taken a backseat to popular Australian sports like Australian rules football and rugby league. However, the remarkable run of the Matildas in the World Cup has sparked a wave of enthusiasm that is sweeping the nation. Football has become the hottest topic of conversation, dominating media headlines and attracting fans from all corners of the country.
The impact of the quarter-final against France was palpable. Nearly 50,000 spectators filled Brisbane Stadium, while a staggering 7.2 million people watched the match on television, marking the highest viewership for an Australian sporting event since the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. The Matildas were even featured on the front and back pages of all major newspapers in the country.
But it’s not just the numbers that demonstrate Australia’s feverish excitement. Fans from Tasmania to the Northern Territory, from dedicated live sites to airplane passengers flying at 38,000 feet in the air, were glued to the action. Attendees of different sporting events gathered in stadiums’ concourses, desperate for a glimpse of the thrilling penalty shoot-out.
This historic moment in Australian football history is fueled by the women’s game. Many Australians draw parallels with John Aloisi’s iconic penalty that secured the Socceroos’ qualification for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. This generation of players has grown up idolizing Aloisi and will now do the same for heroes like Cortnee Vine.
The upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023, hosted by Australia and New Zealand, has been eagerly anticipated since the bid was won. New Zealand, where rugby union usually reigns supreme, has also witnessed a surge in engagement and enthusiasm for the tournament. The sight of a sold-out semi-final between Spain and Sweden in New Zealand dispels any doubts about the country’s commitment to women’s football.
Australia, in particular, has been fully captivated by the Matildas’ remarkable journey. People of all ages and genders, regardless of their previous interest in football, have been spellbound by the team’s performances. France’s coach, Herve Renard, described the quarter-final as playing against an entire nation, reflecting the intense support and passion witnessed throughout the match.
What makes this journey even more exciting is the fact that the Matildas still have two more games to play. The nation is now eagerly speculating on the prospect of winning the entire tournament. For a country not accustomed to international success in football, this opportunity feels surreal. The momentum is building with each game, and the potential heights to be reached if the Matildas can overcome European champions England in the next match are unimaginable.
Millions of Australians are experiencing the thrill that only a World Cup can provide. The excitement, nerves, tension, and sheer joy that come with the sport are being felt by people across the country. Matildas goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold, who played a crucial role in the penalty shoot-out victory, expressed her emotion and gratitude for being part of this unforgettable moment.
The FIFA Women’s World Cup has undeniably left an indelible mark on Australian football and has cemented the country’s status as a footballing nation. The passion and enthusiasm displayed by fans and the growing interest in the women’s game signify a new era for Australian football. As the tournament continues and the Matildas strive for greatness, the impact and legacy of this World Cup will undoubtedly shape the future of the sport in Australia and New Zealand.
