Opinion
Rise of the Matildas shows why women’s football is bigger than a game
Moya Dodd
Former Matildas vice-captainThe Women’s World Cup might have broken many records already – my personal favourite being the decibel level at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium during the match against France – there’s another biggie coming its way. For Australia to meet England in our first ever semi-final adds layers of history and one of the hottest rivalries in sport to a competition that’s already captivated the nation.
The analysts seem to think England are favourites, by around 2:1. However, these analysts may also have overlooked the fact there’s only one team in the final four who have beaten all the others in recent months: the Matildas. They dispatched England 2-0 at Wembley, and beat Sweden (4-0) and Spain (3-2) on home soil. They may have been friendlies, but Matildas now know with certainty that they can beat every remaining competitor if they play to their plan.
The Matildas have no reason to fear. They are already a national success. There’s only upside every time they take the field.
Their performances have been underpinned by coach Tony Gustavsson’s deliberate approach of playing against the best teams to maximise our improvement, rather than choosing weaker opponents to maximise Australia’s FIFA ranking. It leads to wild pendulum swings from the commentariat (“he’s a genius/idiot/genius”) but it has brought the team to the final four of the world’s two biggest tournaments. We ran fourth in the Olympics; I believe we will fare better here.
Cathy Freeman, after her iconic 400m win in the same stadium that will host this semi-final clash, spoke of feeling the energy of the huge crowd carrying her along. I hope the Matildas feel the same. In particular, the Matildas alumni have sat together at our games, contributing to those record decibels by yelling the same things I heard them say on the field all those years ago: “get in”, “well done” and “yes, you can!” And Freeman has already shared her advice by visiting the team.
The significance of this tournament for Australia is profound – for our sport, for women, and for our country.
Matildas players and supporters celebrate Cortnee Vine’s winning penalty against France.Credit: Getty
After being warily regarded for decades, our game is being embraced as a truly Australian thing to watch and follow. Blokes in suits, singlets or Matildas jerseys are following intently in pubs. Women’s sports “true believers” are feeling delirious and validated. Kids of all genders in Australia’s most inclusive sport are seeing it as a passport to the world. And millions of everyday Australians are discovering the special vibe: crowds who love the game not only for the thrill of the game, but for what it stands for.
Women’s football has always meant much more than the game itself. After being banned for decades, it has come to represent a social movement towards women’s empowerment, gender equality, and inclusion, especially of LGBTIQ+, First Nations, and other historically disadvantaged groups. It’s a wild hotbed of equality and acceptance.
Women’s games draw an audience like no other. Fans are safe, and make others welcome. Racist, sexist and homophobic chants are virtually unknown. Groups like the Matildas Active Support bring endless encouragement. Losing does not lead to crowd violence in the stadium or spikes in domestic violence at home.
Strangely, the ability to maintain an orderly standard of conduct when your team loses is sometimes mistaken for not being a proper football fan. Anyone who is not deeply upset at losing must surely not understand the game – probably “just” an audience of women and children who don’t even know the offside rule, right?
Wrong. The audience is a broad one. And we are just as disappointed at losing, but it’s counter-balanced by the upside of an occasion that itself stands for progress, recognition and empowerment, and an appreciation of the humanity of its participants.
Matildas supporters watch on from Melbourne’s Federation Square.Credit: Chris Putnam/Future Publishing via Getty Images
Sponsors and broadcasters are coming to see that these previously belittled fans are audience gold. Purpose-driven, brand-loyal, young and growing in number, they are changing the way we consume sport. It’s not a death-or-glory affair, complete with post-game recriminations, but an appreciation of excellence and endeavour, and a celebration of shared purpose.
The cultural force of football can be seen in the shoulder events around the tournament. During the past week, 70 young women leaders gathered in Sydney for an intensive “football for good” festival run by global impact movement Common Goal. On Thursday, an Equality Summit will convene leading innovators and football activists for a day of disruptive thought and dream chasing.
But on Wednesday night, there’ll be ups, downs, near misses, disappointment and joy. I’m not worried about the result; I know we’ll love the Matildas’ journey whatever happens.
Welcome to football, Australia. You’re in for a helluva ride.
Moya Dodd is a former Matildas vice-captain and Co-chair of Common Goal’s advisory board.