Australia’s prime minister Anthony Albanese and Hollywood actress Rebel Wilson have paid tribute to the Matildas, joining the outpouring of support for the team after their World Cup loss.
“The Matildas are an absolute inspiration,” Albanese wrote in an Instagram post after a heartbreaking defeat by England’s Lionesses in Wednesday night’s semi-final.
The prime minister was among almost 80,000 fans at Sydney’s Stadium Australia watching the game that resulted in a 3-1 win to England, ending the Matildas’ path to World Cup victory.
“You’ve shown incredible skill, ferocity and flair, and a camaraderie that defines what it means to play team sport,” he wrote.
“Every single Matilda has brought us joy throughout this World Cup. And I have no doubt that the next generation of Matildas were watching.”
A chorus of Australian notables have joined in on the tributes, with many congratulating the Matildas for taking the nation further than ever in a World Cup competition, and thanking them for inspiring camaraderie and a new generation of women athletes.
Wilson was among the thousands of fans in the stadium on Wednesday.
“What a moment for women’s sport!” she wrote beneath an Instagram post showing her standing next to American tennis legend Billie Jean King. “The biggest congratulations to Matildas for absolutely crushing this World Cup!”
Running legend Cathy Freeman also praised the team, tweeting: “So incredibly proud of our girls! You gave it everything and you inspired an entire nation! Hold your head up high and here’s to the future!”
So incredibly proud of our girls! You gave it everything and inspired an entire nation! Hold your head up high and here’s to the future! #matildas
— Cathy Freeman (@CathyFreeman) August 16, 2023
Former soccer player Craig Foster tweeted: “Don’t be too down Australia. The dream is not over. It’s only just begun.
“To the Matildas. You’ve made history & captivated an entire nation. You’ve set Australia & [Anthony Albanese] the task of winning World Cups & changed the country. We love you.”
Hey @KensingtonRoyal, you’ve been proudly supporting England all tournament.
— Craig Foster (@Craig_Foster) August 16, 2023
Not a word for Australia.
Not that we expect it.
We prefer the honesty. Without the patronising pat on the head in defeat.
Support @lionesses & let us get on with our business, mate.@AusRepublic https://t.co/acXfLsTK3K pic.twitter.com/FCecZhFg1l
Sport commentator Rohan Connolly penned a lengthy message of support, saying the Matildas were beaten but not bowed.
“What a magnificent few weeks the Matildas have given us. In a country often polarised, they had us all cheering, and their spirit and sense of inclusion has brought so many more people to sport. Girls, we couldn’t be prouder of you.”
Beaten but not bowed. What a magnificent few weeks the Matildas have given us. In a country often polarised, they had us all cheering, and their spirit and sense of inclusion has brought so many more people to sport. Girls, we couldn't be prouder of you! ❤️#Matildas #TillItsDone pic.twitter.com/TCZZzTOGCl
— Rohan Connolly (@rohan_connolly) August 16, 2023
The New South Wales premier, Chris Minns, joined the lineup of proud politicians, giving team captain Sam Kerr’s strike – Australia’s only goal in Wednesday night’s match – a shout-out.
“The whole nation has stopped to watch and hasn’t it been a great Australian moment! They went further than anyone before. And even at the end, has there been a better Australian sporting moment than that Sam Kerr strike?!
“They have inspired a new generation of Tillies.”
The Matildas have changed the face of Australian sport forever - and we couldn't thank them enough for it. pic.twitter.com/DVXw4mNt8j
— Chris Minns (@ChrisMinnsMP) August 16, 2023
Federal independent MP Zali Steggall urged Australia to continue supporting the Matildas when the team vies with Sweden for third place on the weekend.
“Sport can be the most amazing highs and heartbreaking misses, that’s why it’s so enthralling,” she tweeted.
Sport can be the most amazing highs and heartbreaking misses, that’s why it’s so enthralling. @matildas played hard, inspired the nation and made us all so proud! Let’s all get behind them for Saturday!⚽️💕💛💚 #fifawomensworldcup2023 #matildas #tilitsdone🇦🇺💚💛 pic.twitter.com/JLW6NI40LU
— 🌏 Zali Steggall MP (@zalisteggall) August 16, 2023
Former independent MP Tony Windsor said the Matildas made him proud to be Australian.
“There are times when I’m so proud to be an Australian,” he tweeted. “The way in which the Matildas have presented themselves and played the game is right up there at the top. Congratulations and thank you.”
There are times when I’m so proud to be an Australian…the way in which the #Matildas have presented themselves and played the game is right up there at the top.Congratulations and Thankyou.
— Tony Windsor (@TonyHWindsor) August 16, 2023
