Tag: Matildas

Clare Polkinghorne Honoured as Packed Suncorp Stadium Cheers Her Farewell

An unforgettable night at Suncorp Stadium celebrated the illustrious career of Clare Polkinghorne, Australia’s most-capped player, as over 47,000 fans gathered to send off the Brisbane-born defender in style. Despite the Matildas falling 3-1 to Brazil, the evening was a tribute to Polkinghorne’s remarkable 18 years in international football.

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Gutierres brace sparks early drama

The match began with high intensity as Brazil’s Amanda Gutierres made an immediate impact, scoring twice in the opening 13 minutes. Gutierres showcased her class with a composed finish in the sixth minute, followed by a perfectly executed strike off an assist from Aline Gomes. The early deficit tested the Matildas’ resolve, but they remained determined to fight back in front of their home crowd.

The breakthrough came late in the first half, igniting hope among the fans. Ellie Carpenter delivered a pinpoint cross, and Emily van Egmond’s clever dummy allowed Caitlin Foord to power the ball past Brazilian keeper Natascha Honegger. The well-executed goal brought the Matildas within striking distance at halftime, energising the packed stadium.

Queiroz quashes Matildas’ momentum

However, any resurgence was short-lived. In the 52nd minute, Giovana Queiroz capitalised on an error by Alanna Kennedy to restore Brazil’s two-goal advantage. The match, which featured nearly 22 minutes of stoppage time, was marred by frequent interruptions and physical confrontations, further frustrating the Matildas’ efforts to mount a comeback.

Clare Polkinghorne farewell shines bright

While the scoreboard didn’t favour the Matildas, the evening was defined by a moment of pure celebration. Clare Polkinghorne left the pitch in the 63rd minute to a standing ovation from the Suncorp faithful, with cheers echoing in recognition of her unparalleled contribution to Australian football. Adding to the occasion, she received a pre-match tribute, including a framed jersey presented by Queensland rugby legend Darren Lockyer.

The match also marked a major milestone for Emily van Egmond, who became only the fourth Australian to achieve 150 international appearances. Moments like these highlighted the pride and resilience of the Matildas, even as Brazil’s tactical execution saw them hold on for the win.

Read: Suncorp Stadium Lags Behind as Brisbane Pushes for New Stadium to Attract Top Acts

Despite the result, the Matildas showed flashes of brilliance and will be eager to bounce back in their rematch against Brazil on Sunday, 1 December, at the Gold Coast. Polkinghorne’s farewell may not have ended with a victory, but her legacy leaves an indelible mark on Australian football.

Published 30-November-2024

Brazil Challenge Awaits as Matildas Head to Suncorp Stadium

A month after their first victory over Germany in 19 years, the Matildas return to Suncorp Stadium this Thursday, 28 November, at 8:00 p.m. to take on football powerhouse Brazil.

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Celebration match for local hero Clare Polkinghorne

The fixture carries special significance as veteran defender Clare Polkinghorne prepares for her final international window in front of her home crowd. Notably, the last time Australia faced Brazil on home soil, Polkinghorne kicked off the scoring in a 3-1 victory for the Matildas.

Adding to the occasion, vice-captain Emily van Egmond stands poised to earn her 150th cap, which would make her just the fourth Australian footballer to reach this milestone.

Matildas squad shuffle

Interim coach Tom Sermanni has made several squad adjustments ahead of the Brazil encounter. The Matildas will compete with a 34-player squad following the withdrawal of WSL midfielders Katrina Gorry and Clare Wheeler due to injuries sustained in recent club matches.

Gorry suffered a shoulder injury in the same game she opened her scoring account for West Ham with a brace; Wheeler, on the other hand, sustained a lower leg injury playing for Everton in the Merseyside derby.

Manchester City forward Mary Fowler has also pulled out of the upcoming matches against Brazil and Chinese Taipei, citing a need to rest and recover after a hectic playing schedule.

World Cup hero Cortnee Vine remains unavailable, having announced an indefinite break from football to prioritize her mental health. Vine, whose penalty secured Australia’s historic World Cup semi-final appearance, continues to manage the challenges that have accompanied her rising profile.

The extended roster reflects strong domestic talent, with 16 players currently competing in the A-League Women competition. Notable returns include Alex Chidiac, Emily Gielnik, and Chloe Logarzo, all recalled following impressive domestic form.

Milestone victory over Germany

The Matildas head into this international window buoyed by their historic 2-1 victory over Germany in October—their first triumph against the European powerhouse in 19 years.

Despite an early goal from Germany’s Selina Cerci in the fifth minute, the Matildas showcased resilience and tactical evolution under interim coach Tom Sermanni. Kyra Cooney-Cross delivered a stunning 35-yard strike to equalise before halftime, followed by Clare Hunt’s first international goal which secured the triumph.

Read: Suncorp Stadium Lags Behind as Brisbane Pushes for New Stadium to Attract Top Acts

Following the Suncorp Stadium opener, the Matildas will rematch with Brazil at the Cbus Super Stadium in Gold Coast on 1 December. The team will then travel south for two matches against Chinese Taipei in Melbourne and Geelong on 4 and 7 December, respectively.

Published 25-November-2024

Etched in History: Matildas’ Legacy Carved in Bronze at Suncorp Stadium

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.

Photo credit: Matildas/Facebook

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.

Photo credit: Matildas/Facebook

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

Photo credit: Suncorp Stadium/Facebook

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.

Read: Class Acts at the Suncorp Stadium in Milton Over the Years

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

Australia and Sweden Seek Podium Finish After Semis Exits

Australia and Sweden will play for third place at Lang Park on Saturday, after both teams lost in the semi-finals at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

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The Matildas lost 3-1 to England in Sydney, while Sweden were beaten 2-1 by Spain. England’s victory over Australia sets up a meeting with Spain in the Final.

Kerr’s Stunner Not Enough as England End Australia’s Run

Sam Kerr scores a worldie
Sam Kerr scores a screamer to level the match 1-1. Photo Credit: Instagram/CommBank Matildas

A sensational long-range strike from Matildas captain Sam Kerr was not enough to see Australia past England and into their first Women’s World Cup final. Kerr’s 20-metre screamer levelled the scores after England had taken a 1-0 lead in the matchup. However, goals from Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo put England back in front as the Lionesses held on for a 3-1 victory.

The loss ended Australia’s thrilling run through the knockout stage that saw them prevail on penalties against France. Despite their disappointment, the Matildas have surely inspired the nation with their performances.

Matildas Earn Plaudits Despite Defeat

Australia exits in the semis
Photo Credit: Instagram/CommBank Matildas

The Matildas have drawn praise for their efforts during the World Cup, overcoming adversity and captivating fans across the country. After initial concerns over Kerr’s fitness, the team rallied to escape the group stage before finding their form in the knockouts.

The support of the Australian public has been a bright spot for Kerr and her teammates. Record crowds have turned out to back the Matildas, underlining the growth of the women’s game.

Kerr Calls for Investment to Take Game to Next Level

After Australia’s semi-final defeat, Kerr stressed the need for more funding and resources to develop women’s football. She wants this World Cup to be the start of real change.

“We need funding in our development, we need funding in our grassroots… We need funding everywhere,” Kerr said.

Both Kerr and coach Tony Gustavsson emphasised that while the Matildas have made the most of their current resources, more investment is needed at the grassroots level for Australia to truly compete with the top women’s sides.

Gustavsson said: “Let’s invest more and be genuine contenders for medals and tournaments moving forward as well.”

The team hope their inspiring performances will lead to more support to take Australian women’s football to even greater heights

Read: Matildas Create History with Thrilling Penalty Shootout Win Over France

Kerr added that the tournament wasn’t a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity despite the home advantage. “If you bring the product to Australia, we’ll go out there and support it. And hopefully, we’ve got a few more fans that will stick around.”

The team hopes their inspiring performances will drive increased support to take Australian women’s football to even greater heights. For now, the Matildas will look to finish their tournament on a high note against Sweden.

Published 17 August 2023

Matildas Create History with Thrilling Penalty Shootout Win Over France

Buoyed by a spirited home crowd at Lang Park, the Matildas etched their name into the annals of Women’s World Cup history with a nerve-wracking penalty shootout victory over France in the quarter-finals. Playing on home soil, Australia became the first host nation to reach the semi-finals since the USA in 2003.

Read: Suncorp Stadium Celebrates 20 Years of Unforgettable Events

Shootout Drama Follows Tense 120 Minute Draw

Cortnee Vine
Cortnee Vine, the winning penalty shooter. Photo Credit: Instagram/CommBank Matildas

Normal time and extra time failed to produce a goal in the Brisbane Stadium clash between two formidable sides. Australia and France battled through a scoreless 90 minutes before two intense periods of extra time. Fatigue set in late on, and a shootout between the deadlocked sides seemed inevitable.

The shootout provided non-stop drama and set a record for the longest shootout in World Cup history for both men’s and women’s matches. Australian goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold made a crucial save from Selma Bacha’s opening effort to give France the early advantage. After a series of saves and misses, Australia’s 10th shooter, Cortnee Vine, slotted home the winning penalty as the home crowd went wild.

Semifinal Spot Creates Matildas Legacy

Mackenzie Arnold
Mackenzie Arnold was awarded Player of the Match for her crucial saves in the shooutout. Photo Credit: Instagram/CommBank Matildas

The victory sends Australia through to the semi-finals for the first time ever. They’ll face classic sporting rivals England, 2-1 winners over Colombia, at Stadium Australia on Wednesday.

Beyond this milestone, Australia’s World Cup run marks a watershed moment for women’s sport in the country.

Their penalty shootout victory attracted the biggest Australian TV audience since Cathy Freeman’s Olympic gold medal in 2000. The audience was reported to be the largest for more than two decades, averaging a staggering 4.23 million viewers. These figures do not include the throngs of fans who gathered in fan parks, pubs and around big screens to cheer on the Matildas.

John Aloisi, whose penalty in 2005 sent the Socceroos to their first World Cup since 1974, remarked: “This achievement will undoubtedly inspire future generations. That’s what the girls spoke about before the tournament, that’s what they’ve been speaking about during the tournament. And they’re living this moment.”

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Breaking Through the Glass Ceiling

After years of heartbreak and falling just short, this victory propels the Matildas into uncharted territory. The demons of the past have been exorcised, the bitter memories of their devastating penalty shootout exit at the Round of 16 in France 2019 now a distant memory.

In the three World Cups prior to 2019, they reached the quarter-finals without fail, but progressed no further. The quarter-finals had long acted as the glass ceiling for the Tillies. Not anymore.

Published 14 August 2023