Matildas sell-out streak continues in 'extraordinary' new reality for Aussie football
The Australian women's football team continues to capture the hearts and minds of fans around the country.
'Matildas mania' is still very much alive and kicking after confirmation the Australian women's football side has sold out a 12th consecutive home game. Within hours of tickets going on sale to the general public on Wednesday, fans snapped up the chance to see the Matildas in action for their final Olympic Games qualifier in Melbourne.
The 53,000-capacity Marvel Stadium will host the crunch second leg clash against Uzbekistan on February 28 as the Aussies look to book their passage to the Paris Games in 2024. The Matildas made it all the way to the last four of the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 but lost to eventual runners-up Sweden. The Aussies then missed the chance to pick up an Olympic medal after going down 4-3 to the mighty USA in the bronze medal game.
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Fresh from their heroics at this year's Women's World Cup on home soil, the Matildas will be desperate to go one better in Paris after also finishing fourth in what was the nation's greatest ever result at a football World Cup - in either women's or men's competition. The Matildas captured the hearts and minds of a nation on their extraordinary run to the last-four, as evidenced by the sell-out crowds and packed live venues around the country.
Aussie fans can't get enough of the Matildas
More than 11 million people tuned in to watch the Matildas' semi-final against England, as it became the most-watched event in Australia since TV ratings began. As well as the record-breaking TV figures, the Aussie women have also been smashing attendance records at their recent home games, with the Uzbekistan qualifier set to be the 12th full house in a row for the Matildas.
The remarkable run began with Australia's World Cup send-off match against France on July 14 at Marvel Stadium and included all seven games of their World Cup campaign, plus the three recent World Cup qualifiers against Iran, the Philippines and Chinese Taipei. The Matildas' 8-0 thumping of the Philippines came in front of a staggering 59,155 people at Optus Stadium - setting a new record for a non-Women's World Cup game in Australia.
Matildas sell out 12th straight game at home
“The journey of the CommBank Matildas over the last 12 months has been nothing short of extraordinary. Starting from the heartfelt send-off match in Melbourne, through to this latest sell out in Melbourne, the Matildas have consistently captivated the hearts of the nation, with almost 700,000 Australians coming together to support and celebrate this team and women’s football,” Football Australia chief executive James Johnson said.
“This 12th consecutive sellout in record time reflects the strength and appeal of the CommBank Matildas. It is clear that the team resonates deeply with fans across Australia and beyond and that is demonstrated in the way the nation turns out for these matches in stadiums and on television and (they are) recognised as Australia’s most favoured national team.
“This series of sold-out matches demonstrates the significant progress in promoting women’s football and celebrating what the CommBank Matildas stand for as a force for positive change and an inspiration to millions.” It therefore came as no surprise earlier this month when the Matildas won arguably the nation's most prestigious accolade, The Don Award - named after the Sport Australia Hall of Fame’s inaugural Inductee, Sir Donald Bradman.
Matildas forward Mary Fowler was among the biggest fan favourites during Australia's historic Women's World Cup campaign. Speaking at a public event at a kindergarten in Sydney's south on Wednesday, the 20-year-old striker admitted she was blown away by the support for women's football in Australia and the impact the team's performances had on the lives of millions around the country.
“It’s been an incredible year. It’s hard to put into words how big it’s been,” Fowler said. “I didn’t expect that (how much Australia embraced the Matildas). I think the majority of us went into the World Cup not expecting that, but that was amazing. I think that was the best part of the World Cup, to see how many people got behind us and how together Australia came.”
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