Thousands of Matildas’ supporters were brought to their feet amid scenes of jubilation at Sydney’s fan site when the final whistle blew to mark Australia’s defeat of Denmark.
The 2-0 win sees the team progress to the quarterfinals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brisbane on Saturday in a clash against either Morocco or France.
The excitement, energy and positivity at Darling Harbour was palpable, inducing tingles down the spine, when Sam Kerr came on the pitch with minutes to go, the moment football fans had been so desperately waiting for.
Her impact was minimal — the Matilda’s had done enough scoring through Caitlin Foord and Hayley Raso to secure the win.
It’s been hailed as the biggest game in Australian football history — and the Matildas have thrived under pressure, buoyed by the show of support from fans across the country.
So far this tournament, 500,000 fans have packed fan sites.
The tournament has captured the hearts and minds of the nation as Australia rides the wave of the Matildas’ success.
The festival atmosphere shows the World Cup is about more than football — whether your backing the English, Nigerians, Danes or Australia — it’s all about the fans.
Cameron and his son Nate Garcia had come out to soak up the atmosphere of the fan zone.
“This World Cup has captured the nation’s attention,” Cameron told the ABC.
“I was surprised when we went to book tickets it was sold out; everyone wants to be there to cheer on the Matildas. This is the second best option — what an atmosphere.”
The majority of fans, decked in green and gold, were ecstatic to witness Australia earn a spot in the quarterfinals alongside England, Spain, the Netherlands, Japan and Sweden.
It’s been a Cup of upsets and triumphs.
The USA — the top team in the world and reigning champions — was on Sunday night knocked out by Sweden on penalty shootout.
Germany is also out, with Australia ending Olympics champions Canada’s run — it’s no wonder everyone’s talking about the 2023 World Cup in our own backyard.
But Australia will go into its next bout with confidence at an all-time-high and with their star player and face of the tournament Sam Kerr back on deck.
The stadiums might be the heart of the World Cup, but the fan sites are proving to be the soul.
