The Australian Women's Soccer Association (AWSA) was founded in 1974[4] and a representative Australian team competed at the 1975 AFC Women's Championship. This team was officially recognised in May 2023, with all 16 members of the squad officially awarded caps.[5]Pat O’Connor captained this team, and her husband Joe was head coach. After finishing runner-up in their group which featured Thailand and Singapore, the Australians would lose 3–2 in the semi-final against New Zealand. A 5–0 win against Malaysia in the third-place playoff meant that the national team came third in the first Asian Cup.[6]
A national team made up primarily of players from New South Wales and Western Australia was sent to the 1978 inaugural Women's World Invitational Tournament, in Taipei, Taiwan.[7] Australia, coached by Jim Selby,[8] played against club teams at the tournament and none of the players' appearances counted as official caps.[9] Prior to May 2023, Australia's first official international match was considered to be against New Zealand at Seymour Shaw Park in Miranda, New South Wales, Australia on 6 October 1979, as it was billed as the "1st Australian Women's International Soccer Test". Jim Selby remained as coach. A lack of resources meant Australia's subsequent seven official matches were all against New Zealand.[10]
The 1980s: Development in Oceania
Australia played in the first Oceania Cup in 1983 in New Caledonia, losing the final to New Zealand in extra time. It was the first time the Australians faced a team other than the "Football Ferns" of New Zealand.[11] A team would not be assembled again until the next edition of the tournament in 1986 tournament in New Zealand, which featured Australia, New Zealand and Taiwan, as well as New Zealand's B team. Australia lost in the final again, beaten 4–1 by Taiwan.[12][13]
Throughout the 1980s, the team did not have an official playing kit of its own. The only playing kits available were hand-me-downs that had been donated or discarded by men's teams. Although the players were proud to be wearing an Australian strip, they were never supplied with a kit that fitted them properly. Moreover, on the eve of one international tour, several players famously had to sew the team crest onto their tracksuit jackets with a needle and thread.[14]
The late 1980s had Australia encountering the American and European teams for the first time in the 1987 Women's World Invitational Tournament in Taiwan, and the 1988 FIFA Women's Invitation Tournament in China. For the latter tournament, the players had to sew themselves their own Australian crests onto the team tracksuits.[15] Two years later, Australia hosted the 1989 Oceania Cup in Brisbane with Australia entering two teams: Australia A and Australia B.[16] After originally being separated in two groups,[17] neither team made it to the final with Chinese Taipei defeating both Australia B and Australia A to force the Australians to take on each other for the third-place play-off, which was rained out and abandoned.[18][19]
The 1990s: Continued growth
The 1991 OFC Women's Championship tournament doubled as qualifiers for the 1991 FIFA Women's World Cup, and the winner was determined by the best results from a group.[20] Australia finished level on points with New Zealand, but had scored fewer goals, which resulted in New Zealand progressing to the World Cup as OFC's representative.[21]
Scottish-born former professional soccer player and Sydney Olympic FC's coach Tom Sermanni was appointed as coach of the Australian women's national soccer team in July 1994.[22] His team played internationally on a tour of Russia in August 1994.[23] The Oceania tournament in 1994 again doubled as World Cup qualifiers in the same round-robin format. Again, Australia finished even with New Zealand on points but this time had a superior goal difference and qualified for their first FIFA Women's World Cup.[13]
Before 1995, the nickname for the women's team was just "Female Socceroos", derivative of the male squad. Thus in 1995 the Australian Women's Soccer Association joined with Special Broadcasting Service to broadcast a naming competition for the female team. Out of five names, the popular vote chose "Matildas", from the song "Waltzing Matilda". The players themselves did not approve of the name, and took years to use the moniker to describe the team.[24]
At the 1995 FIFA Women's World Cup in Sweden, Australia were grouped with the United States, China and Denmark. During their opening match against Denmark, they lost 5–0.[25] During the team's second match, a 4–2 loss to China, Angela Iannotta scored Australia's first goal at a World Cup.[25] In the final group match against cup holders the United States, Australia scored first but went on to lose 4–1.[25]
In 1996, the team entered into its first kit sponsorship deal, with rising sportswear brand Asics. The deal was initiated during a chance conversation between team manager Tom Sermanni, the CEO of the AWSA, Peter Hugg, and an Asics' representative, Lawrie McKinna, who had become a fan of women's football due to his acquaintance with former team member Janine McPhee. Asics and team management jointly developed the design of the first sponsored strip; it incorporated new technology that made it lighter and more comfortable for the players than their previous kit.[14]
The Matildas would assert their Continental strength at the 1998 Oceania Cup, which doubled as a World Cup qualifying tournament. Australia thrashed their Pacific island opposition in their group games and semi-final, before defeating hosts New Zealand in the final 3–1 (the only goal conceded for the tournament), and qualifying for the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup in USA. At the tournament, Australia was grouped with Sweden, China and Ghana. In their opening match, they secured their first non-loss in a World Cup match with a 1–1 draw against the Ghanaians.[26] Their following group matches were both 3–1 losses, finishing third in the group.[27][28]
Australia still did not have much attention and respect, with the Matildas forced to train with second-hand equipment from the Socceroos, not getting paid and with few games to play.[13] In 1999, to promote themselves and raise funds for the team, most of the Matildas posed for an AWSA board-approved nude calendar, which sold over 40,000 units.[24][29]
2000–2004: First Olympics appearances
The profile built for the sport carried into 2000, where the Matildas had a guaranteed spot for the 2000 Olympics in Sydney as host nation. In their Olympic debut, they would be facing the top seven placed teams from the previous year's Women's World Cup (which back then doubled as the Olympic qualifiers). While in January a friendly match against the Czech Republic in Melbourne's Bob Jane Stadium attracted only 1,500 spectators, a crowd of 10,000 came to the Matildas' game against China at the Sydney Football Stadium in June.[24] Much anticipation surrounded the team's Olympic performance on home soil. Australia started strongly against the formidable Germany, but in the end went down 3–0. Next up was a gutsy performance against Sweden, the Aussie defence soaking up immense pressure. Australia took the lead only to share the points from a controversial Sweden penalty. The draw lifted Australia's hopes of still advancing into the semifinals, which they could achieve with a third-match win. A brilliant performance and a wonder goal by Sunni Hughes gave Australia the first half lead against Brazil, but two errors allowed Brazil to claim victory 2–1, quickly dissolving Australia's dreams. The legacy of a home Olympics featuring the best in the world further raised the profile of women's soccer in Australia.
The team were the host nation for an annual invitational tournament called the Australia Cup, from 1999 to 2004 inclusive, winning it twice. Following the 2000 Olympics, many problems halted the Matildas' schedules. As Ernie Merrick backed out on his intentions to coach the team, Adrian Santrac only took over as manager in November, and Australia played no games in 2001. The following year the team argued over the calendar proceeds with the promoter, and AWSA went into liquidation with debts of over $70,000; all of its other assets were absorbed by Soccer Australia (current Football Federation Australia). In-between, many players opted to retire from the national team.[29][30]
In 2003, they competed in the Oceania Cup with the team winning all four matches to the combined score of 45 goals to nil with the closest being a 2–0 win over New Zealand.[31] Qualifying for the 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup, the Australians were drawn in Group D with China, Ghana and Russia, the Australians only scored a single point at the World Cup with a 1–1 draw against China.[32] Though two losses against Russia and Ghana meant that they finished bottom of the group.[33][34] The team won the 2004 OFC Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Fiji to return to Olympic tournament in Athens 2004.[35] The Matildas won their first Olympic game ever against Greece, and managed to qualify for the quarterfinals,[36] losing to Sweden 2–1.[37]
2005–2009: Tom Sermanni returns and move to Asia
Tom Sermanni, Australia's longest serving coach, (1994–1997, 2005–2012, 2024–present [interim])
Tom Sermanni was re-appointed coach of Australian women's team in December 2004, he had previously coached them between 1994 and 1997.[38] In 2006, Australia moved from the Oceania Football Confederation to the Asian Football Confederation,[39] with the following month seeing the country getting hosting rights for the 2006 AFC Women's Asian Cup.[40] The Australians were drawn in Group B with Myanmar, North Korea, South Korea and Thailand. During the group stage, the Matildas scored eleven goals, which included a 4–0 win against South Korea[41] and finished in second place in the group by goal difference.
In the semi-final, goals from Caitlin Munoz and Joanne Peters gave Australia a 2–0 win over tournament favourites Japan. This win also meant that the national team qualified through to the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup which was held in China.[42] The Matildas lost in the final via a penalty shoot-out against China after the Chinese came back from two goals down at half time.[43]
During early 2007, Australia competed in the qualifiers for the 2008 Olympics, which were held in China. After sweeping their group with nine points from nine, the Australians finished second in the final round group behind North Korea winning both matches against each other by a score of 2–0.[44]
The Matildas before a game against Italy in 2009
Two months later, Australia's draw for the World Cup was revealed with the nation placed in Group C with Canada, Ghana and Norway.[45] The opening match of the 2007 World Cup saw Australia record their first victory in a World Cup with two goals from Lisa De Vanna, who assisted Australia to a 4–1 victory over Ghana in Hangzhou.[46] This was followed up with two draws against Norway (1–1) and Canada (2–2) with a late goal from Cheryl Salisbury ensuring Australia's spot in the quarter finals for the first time in the team's history.[47] In the knock-out stage, the Australians came back from two goals down early in the first half to level the match at two-all with goals from De Vanna and Lauren Colthorpe. But a 75th-minute goal from Brazilian striker, Cristiane gave Brazil a 3–2 win which ended the Matildas' World Cup run at the quarter-final stage.
In 2008, the Matildas competed in the 2008 AFC Women's Asian Cup. They were drawn in Group B, placing second in the group behind Japan, who they faced in the third place play-off. With the Matildas progressing from the group stage to the semi-finals, they were matched up against North Korea. North Korea won the game 3–0 and went on to win the tournament. This led Australia to the third place play-off, facing Japan for a second time in the tournament and again losing, leaving the Matildas in fourth place.
In 2010, the Matildas qualified for the 2010 AFC Women's Asian Cup in China. They beat Vietnam (2–0) and South Korea (3–1) before losing to China 1–0 which put them in second place in their group. They advanced to the semi-finals where they beat Japan 1–0. The final was the first time a senior soccer team (men or women) reached the final in the AFC. They created history by being the first ever Australian soccer team to win the Asian Cup after beating the team of Korea DPR in penalties during the final, 5–4, after a regular time score of 1–1 (Australia's lone and equalising goal was scored by Sam Kerr). The title gave the Matildas a berth at the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup in Germany.[48]
2011 FIFA Women's World Cup, Germany
Australia playing the United States in 2012
The following year the team contested the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup, held in Germany, being sorted into Group D. Despite losing 1–0 to Brazil in the opening game, victories of 3–2 and 2–1 over Equatorial Guinea and Norway respectively qualified the Matildas to the quarterfinals.[49] At the knockout stage, the team lost 3–1 to Sweden. Caitlin Foord was awarded Best Young Player of the tournament, and defender Elise Kellond-Knight was chosen for the All-Star Team.
2012–2013: Sermanni departs
In October 2012, after a total of 11 years as team manager, Tom Sermanni was announced as head coach of the United States women's national team, starting in January 2013.[50] Prior to his leaving, the Australian team took part in the 2013 East Asian Cup preliminary round 2, held in China in November 2012. They defeated Chinese Taipei 7–0 and Hong Kong 4–0 before losing to hosts, China 2–1. Kate Gill, with four goals, was the round's top scorer. However, with China winning all three of its games, the Matildas did not proceed to the final round. Soon after Dutch-born Hesterine de Reus was appointed head coach of the Australians.[51] In June 2013 they won the Centenary Cup against New Zealand in a penalty shoot-out (4–2) after 1–1 draw at full-time.[52]
2014–2019: Stajcic era
Coach Hesterine de Reus was fired by Football Federation Australia in April 2014, after players complained about her coaching style.[53]Alen Stajcic was appointed permanent head coach of the squad in late 2014 after operating as interim coach in late April and May 2014, in preparation for the Matildas’ Asian Cup campaign,.[54]
2014 AFC Women's Asian Cup, Vietnam
As reigning champions, the Matildas qualified for the 2014 AFC Women's Asian Cup, which was held in Vietnam in May. They were drawn into Group A, alongside Japan, Vietnam and Jordan. With two victories and a draw against Japan they finished second placed on goal difference. Australia played against South Korea in a semi-final, defeating them 2–1, but lost 1–0 to Japan in the final.[55]
2015 FIFA Women's World Cup, Canada
The Matildas were drawn in the "group of death" for the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup, held in Canada during June–July, sharing Group D with USA, Sweden and Nigeria.[56] After first losing to USA 1–3, they came back into contention with a 2–0 defeat of Nigeria. The crunch last game against Sweden resulted in a 1–1 draw, with both goals scored in the first 15 minutes of the game. Sweden had needed to win as the Matildas only needed to draw under the three points for a win system (whereas Australia would have tied with Sweden under two points for a win system).
They became the first Australian team, women's or men's, to win a knockout stage match at a World Cup when they defeated Brazil by a score of 1–0. The goal was scored by Kyah Simon after a shot by Lisa de Vanna was blocked and redirected by Brazilian goalkeeper Luciana. In the quarterfinals, the Matildas lost to defending champions Japan in a late goal by Mana Iwabuchi.[57] The Matildas finished in seventh position overall.
2016 Olympic Games, Rio
In the following year, they contested in qualifiers for the 2016 Summer Olympics where they finished on top of their group after defeating all their opponents bar China,[58] to get to the Olympic Games. Place into Group F, Australia lost to Canada, had a draw with Germany and defeated Zimbabwe in a 6–1 scoreline to finish as the best third placed team. Their adversary in the quarterfinals were hosts Brazil,[59] who avenged their defeat a year earlier. The 0–0 scoreline after extra-time resulted in a penalty shootout 7–6, with Brazilian goalkeeper Bárbara saving Alanna Kennedy's kick.[60]
Post 2016 Olympics
At the 2017 Tournament of Nations event, the Matildas recorded their first ever win over the United States after 27attempts, defeating them 1–0 in Seattle.[61] The Matildas went on to defeat Japan 4–2 and Brazil 6–1 to finish as the inaugural tournament as champions.[62]
Following the Tournament of Nations, the Matildas scheduled a set of two friendlies in September 2017 hosting Brazil, with the first match at Penrith Stadium sold-out,[63] which Australia won 2–1. An even larger crowd of nearly 17,000attended the next match threedays later in Newcastle – the Matildas won 3–2.[64] In December 2017, Matildas were awarded the Public Choice Team of the Year at the Australian Institute of Sport Awards.[65] Their striker Sam Kerr was awarded 2017 Sports Personality of the Year.[65]
2018 AFC Women's Asian Cup, Jordan
At the 2018 AFC Asian Cup, held in Jordan in April, Australia qualified automatically due to their runner-up status in the 2014 tournament. They were assigned to Group B with Japan, South Korea and Vietnam. Their 0–8 win against Vietnam and two draws placed them at the top of their group, on goal difference. The Matildas reached the final after defeating Thailand in the semi-final in a penalty shoot-out, 3–1. The Australians lost 1–0 to Japan in the final, but nonetheless qualified for the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup.[66]
Post 2018 Asian Cup
During July–August in that year at the 2018 Tournament of Nations Australia were once again undefeated, finishing the tournament with two wins (1–3 against Brazil, 2–0 against Japan) and one draw (1–1 with United States). They were tied with the United States at 7 points, but the US had a superior goal differential and were crowned tournament champions.[67]
Despite entering 2019 on the back of good form and with their highest ever rating (4th) on FIFA's ranking list, the Matildas coach Alen Stajcic was sacked in January by Football Federation Australia (FFA). FFA's chief executive David Gallop said the decision was based on confidential surveys and conversations with players and staff.[68] The decision was considered controversial, as the FFA refused to supply further specifics as to the reasoning for their decision, which was made months out from a World Cup appearance. Players, Sam Kerr, Lydia Williams, Elise Kellond-Knight and Clare Polkinghorne spoke in support of Stajcic and voiced their surprise at his sacking.[69][70]
Former Australian men's national team assistant coach Ante Milicic was appointed Matildas coach in February 2019.[71] Australian hosted the invitational Cup of Nations in February–March with visitors from New Zealand, South Korea and Argentina;[72] they won all three games (2–0,[73] 4–1,[74] 3–0)[75] – finishing first.
2019 FIFA Women's World Cup, France
For the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup, held in France, Australia qualified due to being 2018 AFC Cup runner-up. They were drawn in Group C with Italy, Brazil, and Jamaica. A 2–1 injury time loss to Italy was followed by a 3–2 win against Brazil. This victory was notable for threereasons – (i) Australia came back from a 2–0 deficit, (ii) the three goals were the first ones conceded by Brazil in the group stage in 16years and (iii) it was Brazil's first group stage loss for 24years. The game against the Brazilians is referred to as the "Miracle of Montpellier".[76]
Australia's final group game was a 4–1 win over Jamaica with Sam Kerr scoring all four goals, becoming the first Australian player — male or female — to score a hat trick at a World Cup tournament.[77] The result had Australia finish second in their group and played Norway in the round of sixteen. That game finished one-all after both regulation time and extra time with Norway winning the resulting penalty shoot-out 4–1.[78]
In 2020, the Matildas qualified for the delayed 2020 Summer Olympics where they finished top of all competing nations during the 2020 Asian Football Confederation's Qualifying Tournament.[80] They were placed in Group G with Sweden, United States and New Zealand, nicknamed the "Group of Death".[81] The Olympics were postponed to July–August 2021 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.[82] After beating New Zealand (2–1), losing to Sweden (4–2) and drawing with the United States (0–0), they were ranked third in their group and progressed to the quarter finals against Great Britain.[83] During that match Australia scored the first goal, Great Britain replied with two goals from Ellen White in the second half. An equalising goal by captain Sam Kerr led to extra time. Mary Fowler and Kerr each scored a goal, before White completed her hat trick. The game ended with a 4–3 win for the Matildas, resulting in Australia's first entry into an Olympic semi-final.[84]
In the semi-final Australian played against Sweden for the second time in the tournament. Despite a strong performance and a disallowed goal by Kerr, they lost 1–0, relegating them to a bronze medal match play-off against the United States.[85] The semi-final match against Sweden broke women's sport TV viewing records in Australia, with 2.32 million viewers tuning in.[86] In the bronze medal match, they lost 4–3 to the United States, resulting in the Matildas' seventh loss of the year.[87] Finishing fourth, the 2020 Olympics were the Matildas' most successful performance at the Olympics, having previously never progressed beyond the quarter-finals since the sport's first inclusion, at the 1996 Olympics.[88]
Post 2020 Olympics
After their Olympics bronze medal defeat, Australia played their first ever match against the Republic of Ireland on 21 September 2021, with it being Sam Kerr's 100th cap.[89] Playing in Dublin, Australia lost 3–2. In October, they played a pair of home friendlies against Brazil, their first matches on home soil since 2019, recording a 3–1 win and a 2–2 draw.[90] In November, in their final matches of the 2021 calendar year, they played another set of home friendlies against World Number On side the United States, recording a 0–3 defeat and a 1–1 draw.[91] These two matches broke attendance records in Australia – the first match played on 27 November in Stadium Australia, Sydney, broke the all-time standalone Matildas' home attendance record set in 2000, with 36,109 spectators.[92] The second game broke the attendance record of any Matildas game played at Newcastle, with 20,495 spectators.[92] 2021 also saw a record number of Matildas' debutantes, with 13players making their first senior international caps, and a record number of players reaching their 100th cap milestones, including Emily Van Egmond, Kyah Simon, Sam Kerr, Alanna Kennedy and Tameka Yallop.[93]
2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup, India
The Matildas began 2022 by participating in the 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup, held in India. They were drawn into Group B, against Indonesia, Philippines and Thailand.[94] They played their opening match against Indonesia, beating them 18–0, a record win for the team against any opponent within the Asian confederation.[95] The game also saw Sam Kerr scoring fivegoals, whereby surpassing Tim Cahill's previous Australian international goal-scoring record total of 50 goals. This made Kerr the all-time leading scorer for Australia, both male or female.[95] Australia finished top in their group undefeated, conceding just one solitary goal, however the team crashed out in their quarter-final match to eventual runners-up South Korea 0–1.[96]
Australia co-hosted the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup along with New Zealand, after the bidding decision was announced on 25 June 2020.[97] As hosts, Australia automatically qualified and were drawn into Group B, which also contained Canada, Nigeria and debutante Ireland.[98]
Before the World Cup tournament, Australia participated in the 2023 Cup of Nations alongside Spain, Jamaica and the Czech Republic. Australia defeated Czech Republic 4–0 in their opening game and Spain 3–2 in their second game; they only needing a draw in their final game against Jamaica to win the tournament.[99] Australia beat Jamaica 3–0 to lift the Cup of Nations on 22 February 2023.[100]
Australia started the 2023 World Cup in July with a tense 1–0 victory over Ireland by Stephanie Catley, with the only goal scored from a penalty kick.[101] Part of this tension was due to the news that captain Sam Kerr was likely to miss the first two if not all of their group games due to a calf injury.[102] Australia had a 3–2 loss against Nigeria.[103] In danger of elimination, they defeated reigning Olympic champion Canada 4–0. Not only was this Australia's biggest ever win at a World Cup match, Australia topped their group at a World Cup for the first time.[104]
In the Round of 16, Australia defeated Denmark 2–0 with a goal in each half. It also marked Kerr's first appearance in the tournament. This was the second time Australia won a knock-out match at the Women's World Cup.[105] Australia defeated France 7–6 in a penalty shoot-out, with the Matildas becoming the first senior Australian team to make a world cup semi-final.[106] The quarter-final match between Australia and France also had the longest penalty shoot-out in the history of the FIFA Women's World Cup, with 20 total kicks.[107]
The Matildas were defeated 3–1 by England in the semi-final on 16 August.[108] Their campaign ended with a 2–0 loss to Sweden to finish fourth. This marked the highest-ever finish of any Australian soccer team in senior level.[109]
Australia had a bye for the first round of the 2024 AFC Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament due to their FIFA ranking.[110] For the second round they played three matches in Perth against Iran, Philippines, and Chinese Taipei, with Australian winning 2–0, 8–0, and 3–0, respectively. They proceeded to the third round to play a pair of home and away games against Uzbekistan,[111] winning both games (aggregate of 13–0) and qualifying for the Olympics.[112] For the Olympic Tournament, Australia were assigned to Group B with Germany, Zambia, and United States, they played their group matches from 25 to 31 July 2024.[113][114] With defeats by Germany and United States and a poor goal difference, the Matildas did not progress from the Group stage.[115]
2024–present: Post-Gustavsson era
On 1 August 2024, it was confirmed that Gustavsson's role as head coach would not be extended, following Australia's early exit from the Olympic Games which was to be the end of his contract.[116] On 17 September, former Matilda's coach Tom Sermanni was appointed interim coach.[117] Football Australia's James Johnson announced six friendlies against four international teams: Switzerland, Germany, Brazil (two home games) and Chinese Taipei (two home games) from late October to early December.[118] Matildas won their game against Germany, 1–2, their first victory against them since 2005.[119] Both Australian goals were first-time scores for Kyra Cooney-Cross and Clare Hunt.[119] The team lost both games against Brazil (3–1, 2–1), those friendlies against Brazil were sold out, extending the Matildas' sellout streak to 16 home games.[120] Matildas won both games against Chinese Taipei (3–1, 6–0), with Australian first time goals by Bryleeh Henry, Leah Davidson, Natasha Prior and Sharn Freier.[121] The second friendly against Chinese Taipei was Clare Polkinghorne's 169th and last for Australia signifying her retirment from playing.[121]
Team image
Regarded as Australia's most beloved national sporting team in 2019, the Matildas have grown its fanbase over recent years, due to increased exposure, successful tournaments and skilled players coming on to play both internationally and at club level, including captain Sam Kerr, widely regarded as one of the world's best soccer players.[122] In November 2023, the Australian National Dictionary Centre announced "Matilda" as the 2023 Word of the Year,[123] following the team's successful World Cup campaign that year which attracted unprecedented nationwide attention– media outlets used the term Matildas fever to describe the positive atmosphere.[124][125]
Kits
As is traditional with national Australian sporting teams, the Matildas wear a combination of green and gold as their "home" colours, the national colours of Australia. The kit has been manufactured by Nike since 2004, in partnership with Football Australia (formerly Football Federation Australia).[126] Nike began producing specific women's national team kits since the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup.[127]
The most recent home kit worn at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup features a gold top with a marbled pattern and green trimming, and green shorts with white socks, the press release stating that it "celebrates the country's iconic Outback and beaches". The away kit features a bright blue top, shorts and socks, with a darker blue and yellow trims said to "celebrate the country's natural wonders" and drawing "inspiration from the vivid sea".[128]
At the world cup, it was reported that the 2023 kit outsold the 2019 edition 13 to one,[129] and sold more than the Socceroos kits during their entire 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign before the 2023 Women's World Cup even started.[130]
The team's official nickname is "the Matildas" (from the Australian folk song Waltzing Matilda), sometimes shortened to Tillies by fans.[132] They were known as the "Female Socceroos" before 1995.[133][132]
As in men's football, the Matildas biggest rival have been New Zealand's Football Ferns. Between them the two teams monopolised the Oceania Football Confederation before Australia transferred to the AFC in 2006.
Since their AFC entrance in 2006, the Matildas created a rivalry with Nadeshiko Japan (although the very first match between the two sides started in 1984). Both teams evolved in the 2010s, and they developed the most significant women's football rivalry in Asia. Unfortunately for Australia, three big matches during that decade resulted in three Japanese victories by 1–0 (2014 AFC Women's Asian Cup, 2018 AFC Women's Asian Cup finals and the most significant match, the quarter-finals of the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup).
China
Like Japan, the Matildas created an Asian rivalry with the continent's powerhouse team, China. The rivalry with the Steel Roses began in 2006, when Australia hosted the AFC Women's Asian Cup for the first time (also the first time Australia competed in an Asian competition as an AFC member). The Matildas were defeated by the Chinese in the final.
North Korea
Another powerful women's football teams in Asia, North Korea became rivals of the Matildas due to the 2010 AFC Women's Asian Cup final where the Australians won the match at a penalty shoot-out, which was hosted in China.
Brazil
Since the 1990s, Australia and Brazil created an intense rivalry, with big matches at the Olympic Games and FIFA Women's World Cup. The two most significant matches were both won by Australia, the 2–1 win in the Round of 16 of the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup and the 3–2 win at 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup (dubbed the "Miracle of Montpellier" due to Australia's comeback from 0–2).
England
Like other sports as cricket and rugby, Australia versus England is a fierce and historical rivalry (like the USA-England rivalry). But it's recently open up in women's football because of the last two matches between the Matildas and the Lionesses: the 2–0 win of the Australians in a friendly at British soil in the beginning of 2023 and the 3–1 England win at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup semifinals in Australian soil.
Naming rights
Under a naming rights deal with Scentre Group and its predecessor, Westfield Group, the team was branded as "Westfield Matildas" from 2008 to 2021.[134] The team is currently branded as "CommBank Matildas", based on a multi-year financial investment in the team by the Commonwealth Bank.[135]
Media coverage
Australian matches (excluding finals tournament of the FIFA Women's World Cup and Olympic Games (until 2032)) are broadcast by Paramount+ and on free-to-air by Network 10.[136] In 2021, during the broadcast of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, the Matildas broke TV viewing records of any women's team sport in history. The record was initially broken during their second group stage match against Sweden, drawing in 1,468,000 viewers.[137] The record was broken again during their quarter-final clash against Great Britain, drawing in 2.27 million viewers, before recording the all-time record of 2.32 million viewers watching them compete against Sweden in the Olympic semi-final.[138]
In the 2023 Women's World Cup, the Quarterfinal game between Australia and France averaged over 4 million viewers and peaked at 7.2 million viewers on Channel 7, which was the most watched sporting event since Cathy Freeman's 400 meters gold medal in the Sydney 2000 Olympics in Australia.[139] This statistic does not include live viewings, pubs, stadiums and parties where the game was shown.
From 2024 until 2032, Matildas matches during Summer Olympics finals tournament will be aired live on free-to-air Nine Network and Nine's subscription streaming via Stan.
Attendance
The current home attendance record for a Matilda's stand-alone match is 76,798, set on 3 June 2024 during their friendly match against China.[140]
Supporters
The main supporter group of the Australian women's national team is Matildas Active Support .[141]
Australia has played matches against international opponents on a consistent basis since 1978.[179] To date, they have played 55 different nations and governing bodies, across FIFA World Cups, invitational tournaments, the OFC Women's Nations Cup (until 2004), the AFC Women's Asian Cup (from 2006) and international friendlies.
↑ An Australian representative side (largely from the St. George club and the New South Wales state team) participated and had been labelled as "Australia" by the organisers.[180] These games have not been recognised as official Australian A-internationals, but the players achievements were recognised as such in 2023.[5]
↑ The 1980 AFC Women's Championship had a team representing Western Australia, but not the Australian national team.
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Thomas Dorby Sermanni is a Scottish football manager and former professional player, who mostly works in women's football. He has previously managed the Australia women's national team, the United States women's national team from 2013 to 2014, the Orlando Pride of the National Women's Soccer League from 2016 to 2018, and the New Zealand women's national team from 2018 to 2021.
Alicia Ann "Eesh" Ferguson is an Australian soccer player who represented the Australia women's national soccer team at the 1999 and 2007 editions of the FIFA Women's World Cup. Ferguson debuted for Australia at the age of 15 years during the Matildas' European tour in August 1997. Initially she played as a forward and scored four times in Australia's 1998 OFC Women's Championship victory. After a period of injury she subsequently became one of Australia's most solid midfielders. At club level Ferguson enjoyed success with Queensland Sting in the Women's National Soccer League and Brisbane Roar in the W-League. In 2012–13 she played for Millwall Lionesses of the English FA Women's Premier League.
Lydia Grace Yilkari Williams is an Australian professional soccer player who plays as a goalkeeper for A-League Women club Melbourne Victory. She is a former member of the Australia national team.
Kyah Pam Simon is an Australian professional soccer player who plays as a striker for Sydney FC of the A-League Women. In 2011, Simon became the first Indigenous Australian player to score a goal in a FIFA Women's World Cup.
Samantha May Kerr is an Australian professional soccer player who plays as a striker for Women's Super League club Chelsea, and the Australia women's national team, which she has captained since 2019. Known for her speed, skill, and tenacity, Kerr is widely considered one of the best strikers in the world, and one of Australia's greatest athletes.
Clare Elizabeth Polkinghorne is an Australian professional soccer player who plays as a defender for Swedish Damallsvenskan club Kristianstads DFF, and formerly for the Australia national team. On 2 October 2024 she announced her retirement from international football, and played her last game for the Matildas in a friendly against Brazil on 28 November 2024. She became Australia's most capped footballer in February 2023, and as of her final game on 7 December 2024 extended this record, with 169 appearances since her debut in 2006. She continues her club career at Kristianstad.
Laura Colleen Gloria Brock is an Australian soccer player who played for EA Guingamp in the Division 1 Féminine in 2020/21. She made her debut for the national team in 2010.
Caitlin Jade Foord is an Australian professional soccer player who plays as a forward for Women's Super League club Arsenal and the Australia national team. She became the youngest Australian to play at a World Cup in 2011 at the age of 16.
Stephanie-Elise Catley is an Australian professional soccer player who plays as a defender for Women's Super League club Arsenal and the Australia national team. She can play in many positions in defence, such as left-back, centre-back or sweeper.
Katrina-Lee Gorry, also known by her nickname Mini, is an Australian professional soccer player who plays as a midfielder for West Ham United in the Women's Super League, whom she captains, and for the Australia national team. Gorry was the 2014 Asia's Footballer of the Year. In October 2023, she was nominated for "Hässleholmer of the Year" in the Swedish municipality of Hässleholm where she lived and played, following her World Cup performance.
Women's soccer, also known as women's football, is a popular sport in Australia. The sport has a high level of participation in the country both recreational and professional. Football Australia is the national governing body of the sport in Australia, organising the A-League Women, the Australian women's national team, and the nine state governing bodies of the game, among other duties. Women's participation of modern soccer has been recorded since the early 1920s. It has since become one of Australia's most popular women's team sports.
Alanna Stephanie Kennedy is an Australian professional soccer player who plays as a defender for Women's Super League club Manchester City and the Australia national team. Kennedy is recognised as being a versatile, technical player and is a right-footed free kick specialist. Known on the international level as a centre back, Kennedy also plays in the midfielder position.
Clare May Wheeler is an Australian professional soccer player who plays as a midfielder for Women's Super League club Everton and the Australia women's national team. She has represented Australia on the under-20 team.
Ellie Madison Carpenter is an Australian professional soccer player who plays as a defender for French D1 Féminine club Lyon and the Australia national team. She previously played for Western Sydney Wanderers in Australia's W-League and Portland Thorns FC in the United States' National Women's Soccer League (NWSL).
Kyra Lillee Cooney-Cross is an Australian professional soccer player who plays as a midfielder for Women's Super League club Arsenal and the Australia women's national team. She has previously played for Hammarby IF in the Damallsvenskan, as well as Western Sydney Wanderers and Melbourne Victory in the W-League.
↑ History of the AFC Women's Asian Cup(PDF) (Printed.). Asian Football Confederation, International Centre for Sport Studies (CIES). FIFA Museum. January 2022. p.27. Archived from the original(PDF) on 13 January 2022.
↑ Dillman, Lisa (29 September 2003). "China Advances Easily". Los Angeles Times. p.D14. Archived from the original on 12 July 2019. Retrieved 12 July 2019– via Newspapers.com.
Crawford, Fiona; McGowan, Lee (2020). Never Say Die: The hundred-year overnight success of Australian women's football. Sydney, N.S.W.: NewSouth. ISBN978-1-74223-666-7. OCLC1112693898.
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(13 December 2024) [1] 
Thailand 3–2 Australia 
United States 9–1 Australia 
![Tom Sermanni, Australia's longest serving coach, (1994-1997, 2005-2012, 2024-present [interim]) Tom Sermanni in 2011.JPG](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/40/Tom_Sermanni_in_2011.JPG/220px-Tom_Sermanni_in_2011.JPG)
