And Marvel Stadium is starting to fill, with a capacity crowd expected for tonight’s game.
I walked past thousands of folks around the perimeter earlier tonight dressed to the nines with not just Australian merchandise, but Matildas-specific gear: shirts, jumpers, scarves, beanies, puffer vests. I couldn’t have imagined this scene four years ago. The cultural impact the Matildas have had is truly immeasurable.
The lights have gone down and there’s a DJ playing classic football bangers like Gala’s “Freed From Desire” (though the lyrics really should be “Sam Kerr’s on fire – your defence is terrified!”). There’s two lines of specially-selected fans lining the multi-coloured yellow carpet that leads out from the dressing-room.
Flames are bursting around the field’s perimeter as the broader decibel level rises with the floods of young girls who’ve come to watch their heroes.
For so many, this will be a life-changing moment, as will the month-long festival of football that’s going to kick off next week.
Let’s sit back and watch history happen, folks.
