Australia’s 1-0 win over Ireland was far from convincing. But the fans of the co-host have high hopes for the win and the World Cup. Many expect an initial spark for football and women’s sports.
Actually, Umit is still quite relaxed. The man from Sydney with the black cap on his head and the dark blue jacket with an Australian jersey and a green and yellow scarf peeking out has just got off the subway at Stadium Australia and is looking at the blue sky. However, the rest is quickly over. “We’ve waited so long for this home World Cup. It’s going to be an incredible night,” says his 18-year-old daughter Elif, beaming almost as brightly as the Australian winter sun. Her father has to grin broadly and says: “Now I’m getting as nervous as you are.”
A tense anticipation surrounds the stadium ahead of Australia’s opening game against Ireland. The Irish fans seem much more exuberant, but their team has already made history by participating in the World Cup for the first time.
Australia hopes for the title at the home World Cup
The “Matildas”, as the hostesses are called, also want that, but as world champions. It would be her first title. Central Coast’s Graham stressed every syllable: “Aus-tra-li-a, World-champ-pi-on, 2023! You only get one chance to win a World Championship at home. That’s why I’m there live.”
Aus-tra-li-a, World Champion, 2023! The chance to win a home World Cup comes only once in a lifetime.
Jenny, who came to Sydney from Eden 600 kilometers away, immediately bought a whole package of tickets. “For group games, a quarter-final, a semi-final and of course the final.”
Is she excited? “That’s an understatement. I’ve been waiting for years for the World Cup to finally come to Australia,” explains the gray-haired lady, who is already looking forward to the game against Canada on Matchday 3 in Melbourne: “I’ll watch it with my grandchildren.”
Fan predictions are accurate
Jenny bets on a tight game, captain Steph Catley will score a goal. And Umit is hoping for a 1-0 win. Said and done.
There is great relief everywhere after the game – and it doesn’t matter that Australia had such a hard time with Ireland. There is great hope that star striker Sam Kerr, who was absent at short notice due to a calf injury, will really only miss the first two games. And that the World Cup is giving football in Australia and women’s sport a good boost overall.
stadium experience “fabulous” and “electrifying”
“Due to the World Cup, even more people in Australia are becoming aware of football – especially the children and young people,” Harry from Melbourne is convinced. “Women’s football is very informal – there are always a lot of children there. And women’s sport will continue to grow.”
Opinions about the atmosphere in the stadium vary from “fabulous”, “electrifying” or just “great”. “I’ve been to women’s football a few times – but not with 75,000 fans. That was cool,” says Abby from Newcastle. “We are now trying to get more tickets for the World Cup games.” And Annie from Sydney underlines: “I watch a lot of sport, but the atmosphere isn’t as good anywhere else. The players play offensive and aggressive, but always fair. It was really fun to watch.”
Do the “Matildas” cause a new development?
And at least temporarily, women’s football is overtaking the national sport of cricket. “I’ve been to a lot of games, I follow the ‘Matildas’,” enthuses Cassey from Gulgong. And her grandmother interjects: “I gave up watching cricket last night to be fit tonight and to be able to go to football with her.”
It’s great that there’s a focus on women’s sport. Otherwise it’s usually just about the men.
Ash expects Cassey and her grandmother to follow suit. “Football is on the rise in Australia – 100 percent. And it’s great that the focus is on women’s sport. Otherwise it’s mostly just about the men,” emphasizes the young woman from Sydney, who, like so many others, wasn’t discouraged by the unexpectedly difficult start to the tournament: “All my friends and I are looking forward to this World Cup so much. It would be so nice if we could win at home.”