Australians have praised the Matildas for changing sport in this country for good after a heartbreaking semi-final loss to England ended their fairytale World Cup run.
The Lionesses claimed a 3-1 win in Sydney to book their spot in the final against Spain in a clinical performance that had Aussie fans fuming at England’s physicality and time wasting tactics.
Ella Toone opened the scoring with a superb strike into the top corner before Sam Kerr breathed life into the game with an absolute worldie from outside the box to put her stamp on the semi-final.
A defensive lapse saw Lauren Hemp score England’s second before Alessia Russo sealed victory with a counterattacking goal in the dying stages.
Kerr took the game by the scruff of the neck in the second half but will rue chances she missed to equalise.
The Matildas were understandably despondent on the pitch after the final whistle. Hayley Raso was in tears being consoled by teammates.
Kerr, Steph Catley and other senior players looked on with expressions that all but said — “what might have been”.
The Matildas formed a huddle in the middle of Stadium Australia in the shape of a love heart, reflecting a sentiment felt towards them from the Australian public.
Australia’s best ever result at a FIFA World Cup has undoubtedly changed women’s sport and football in this country forever.
Cathy Freeman, who spoke to the Matildas before the World Cup, posted on social media: “So incredibly proud of our girls! You gave it everything and inspired an entire nation!
“Hold your head up high and here’s to the future!”
CODE Sports’ Lachlan McKirdy tweeted: “What a run it was. Wasn’t to be tonight but this is a turning point. An entire nation is proud.”
The Daily Telegraph’s Jamie Pandaram
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