In a touching tribute to their extraordinary impact on women’s sports, a permanent homage to the Matildas has been revealed at the Suncorp Stadium in Milton.
Read: Three Decades of Partnership and Matches at the Suncorp Stadium
The bronze plaque celebrates the team’s outstanding performance during the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, marking a watershed moment for women’s football in Australia.
The tribute, a cast bronze bas relief measuring approximately 5.5 metres wide and 2.1 metres high, now adorns the southern entrance of Suncorp Stadium. Created by Brisbane-based Urban Art Projects (UAP), the artwork captures a pivotal moment in Australian sporting history – the team’s jubilant reaction to Courtnee Vine’s match-winning penalty against France on 12 August 2023, a moment that secured their first-ever World Cup semi-final appearance.
This installation complements existing bronze statues of male sports figures at Suncorp Stadium, including rugby league legends Wally Lewis and Allan Langer, and former Wallabies captain John Eales.
The monument serves as a testament to the team’s on-field prowess and their broader social impact. The Matildas’ World Cup journey not only united the nation but also inspired a new generation of athletes, particularly young girls, to pursue their sporting dreams.
The Matildas’ Lasting Impact
The influence of the Matildas extends far beyond their World Cup performance. Following the tournament, Football Australia reported a staggering 44 percent increase in female player numbers statewide. This surge in participation underscores the team’s role in promoting women’s involvement in sports and their potential to shape the future of football in Australia.
Tameka Yallop, one of the players immortalised in the bronze tribute, was present at the debut of the artwork. Her presence symbolised the personal connection many Australians feel with the team and their achievements.
“It’s wonderful to see so many young girls and boys, men and women here today, inspired by the feats of women in sport,” Yallop stated.
“We are humbled to be part of that legacy through the FIFA Women’s World Cup.”
Queensland Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman highlighted the Matildas’ broader impact, saying, “The Matildas brought the country together through their performances and had a profound impact on our sporting landscape.”
Looking Ahead: The Matildas Return
The unveiling of the tribute coincides with an exciting announcement for football fans. The Matildas are set to return to Queensland for their first matches since the World Cup. They will face Olympic silver medalists Brazil in a two-match international series later in 2024, with games scheduled in Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
The first match will take place on November 28 at Suncorp Stadium, followed by a second encounter on December 1 at Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast. These matches not only promise thrilling football action but also offer fans a chance to relive the excitement of the World Cup and witness the ongoing evolution of women’s football in Australia.
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The Matildas’ story, now etched in bronze, will continue to inspire, motivate, and shape the landscape of women’s sports in Australia for years to come.
Published 26-September-2024
