World Cup 2023 - The Matilda's 2023 Journey

This was the tournament that changed everything for the Matilda's and for football in Australia, so here's the run down of the tourno that changed the world!

Australia & NZ 2023 World Cup GROUPS

Australia opened their account against Ireland in a tough 1-0 win that came from a penalty. Most host-nations have a tough opener (the pressure, the intensity and the want to impress the world) so to get three points on the board was all that mattered against an impressive and resilient Ireland team.

Nigeria were arguably the dark horse of the tournament. They really pushed England all the way in the knockout stages and they were one of the few teams to undo Australia. They won 3-2 in a dramatic encounter. Australia nearly brought it back at the death but it wasn't quite enough to get the draw. 

Australia took this frustrating result and went on to demolish Canada 4-0 with Raso starring. I was at this game and the atmosphere was unreal!!! This helped the Aussies to finish top of their group ahead of Nigeria on goal difference. 

The Knockouts 

Australia really stepped up in the knockouts and showed that they have the ability to be world beaters. Denmark are no joke, and Australia got past them with relative ease. Foord scored the opener in the first half and Raso continued her good form with a 70th minute goal to make it 2-0. For me, this was their most impressive performance and both goals were worldies. 

Nobody saw Denmark as an easy opponent, but Hayley and the gang made it look easy!

The Quarters were against France who are arguably one of the best teams in the world. France have some of the best players to ever have graced the football stage (I'm looking at you Wendi) and this quarter final battle was long, arduous and went all the way to 120 minutes and penalties!

I remember being in a bar outside the Sydney Stadium and there were people literally hanging off trees and lamp posts to see the big screen. When it went to penalties the entire place went deathly silent. That first penalty save from Arnold was one of the loudest cheers I've heard in my life. The place roared and the fans in the bar were going crazy. I've never seen anything like it. 

The penalties lasted over 15 minutes and it was the most tense experience ever. It twisted and turned from Australia being able to win it (and hitting the post) to France being able to win it (and missing). Eventually Kenza Dali stepped up and Arnold saved it... but wait a minute... the referee recalled Kenza to go again because Arnold was off her line! Dali steps up again and Arnold saves it AGAIN! I couldn't handle the tension! 

Courtney Vine steps up, the last name on the Aussies list and puts it away. A world cup semi final. Wow. Australia make history. 

History Made

Australia the day after this game was completely rocking. I remember going into a cafe and they were putting bunting around the door and signs "come on you tillies" but they knew they were meeting England in the next round. England had come off the back of winning the 2022 Euros, but they'd had a poor World Cup so far. They'd had a disappointing Quarter Final vs Nigeria and they'd also withstood penalties to get to the Semi. 

The game saw the re-entry of Sam Kerr, the superstar Matilda Striker and nerves were high. I was at the game and the energy was unmatched. England ended up stealing the show with a 3-1 win but the moment of the night was Sam Kerr, back from injury and scoring an absolute WORLDIE. 

Australia went on to finish 4th at the World Cup, losing to Sweden in the 3rd place match but securing their best ever finish in a World Cup EVER. 

by Helen Hardy