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Aussies say the Matildas have ‘changed women's sport forever’ after their incredible run at the World Cup

Home> News> Sport

Published 21:50 16 Aug 2023 GMT+1

Aussies say the Matildas have ‘changed women's sport forever’ after their incredible run at the World Cup

Millions across the country got behind the women as they made history on the world stage.

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie

Australians have rallied around the Matildas following their nail-biting 3-1 loss to England in the semi-final of the World Cup.

It was a hard fought match at Sydney Olympic Park and there's no doubt every Aussie was on the edge of their seat during the 97 minutes of play.

The Lionesses pulled out in front with a goal nine minutes before half time, which put the Matildas on the hunt to equalise.

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That moment came in the 63rd minute when Sam Kerr slotted one of the best goals in the tournament.

Fans were wondering whether this would send the match into another penalty shootout like in the game against France.

Norvik Alaverdian/NurPhoto via Getty Images

However, this was dashed when England's Lauren Hemp found the back of the net in the 71st minute.

There were a few more shots at goal, but none managed to get past goalkeeper Mary Earps.

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All hope was lost when Alessia Russo slotted a goal in the 86th minute, which sealed England's fate and ultimately moved them through to the World Cup final.

Despite six minutes of extra time, it wasn't enough for the Matildas to get two more goals to send the game to penalties.

The host nation side was devastated after coming so far in the tournament, however Aussies have flocked to social media to praise them for their efforts.

Australian Olympic hero Cathy Freeman wrote on Twitter/X: "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!"

Another fan added: "Congratulations to all the Matildas for their brilliant World Cup campaign. You lifted the hearts of our nation. Thank you for all your years of dedication and training. Brilliant women our Matildas!!"

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A third said: "Regardless of the match last night they are winners in my book, history makers and true underdogs, they did us proud. They still get to play for 3rd in the world so come on Ladies let's get third!!! They are still Australia's most successful team! EVER!(In football)"

A fourth commented: "That was quite some journey, you had us feeling all of it, united the country and changed women’s sport forever.”

It's true that Australia has rallied around the Matildas like nothing before.

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The quarter-final against France was the biggest TV sports programme since Freeman won the 400m at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, according to The Guardian.

The semi-final, no doubt, would have been even bigger.

Matildas midfielder Katrina Gorry had this message for the country: "The shift in Australian football has just been incredible. We've loved every minute of it.

"Australia, we love you. I hope we've made you proud. There's still so much to go for. Don't jump off the bandwagon now, keep on coming and I'm sure we'll make you proud."

Featured Image Credit: Maddie Meyer - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images. Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

Topics: Sport, Australia, Football, World Cup

Stewart Perrie
Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie is a Senior Journalist at LADbible. Stewart has covered the conflict in Syria for LADbible, interviewing a doctor on the front line, and has contributed to the hugely successful UOKM8 campaign. He is in charge of the LADbible Australia editorial content and social presence.

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@stewartperrie

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