For the first time ever an Australian team has progressed to the knock-out stage of a FIFA World Cup. And they did it by beating tournament favourite Brazil, no less.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE MATILDAS!!!
Australia’s national female soccer team secured their historic and stunning 1 nil victory in the Canadian town of Moncton with a goal by substitute Kyah Simon in the 80th minute. Goalkeeper Lydia Williams successfully defended a number of Brazil’s encroaches to keep Australia in the match.
“Being in the right place at the right time is what makes great players and Kyah Simon showed that today,” coach Alen Stajcic said. “I think exhilarating is the word for such a victory against a big, powerful football nation.”
In 2007 and 2011 the Matilda’s made the quarter-final stage when the World Cup tournament comprised 16 teams. This year 24 teams have competed and for the first time there is a second-round knock out stage.
“We are probably one of the most dangerous teams in the World Cup if not the most dangerous,” Stajic said after the win. “But we don’t want to get ahead of ourselves. We’re still halfway through, it’s back to work tomorrow.” At the end of the match, played out under teeming rain and cold conditions, the enormity of having overcome the tournament favourites was clear in the Matildas’ celebration. What a stunning effort.
In the quarter finals Australia will face either the Netherlands or Japan in Edmonton. Will they make the semi-final? Anything’s possible, and however it plays out from here, it’s safe to assume Australians will be tuning in.