Matildas Archives - Milton Today

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.

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.

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.

Read: Historic Milton Site to be Transformed into a Thriving Urban Village

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, 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 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.”

Read: Beurre Pastries: Buttery Goodness From This New, Experimental Bakery in Milton

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