On Sunday, in the lead‑up to Australia’s last-16 match against Denmark in Sydney, Caitlin Foord issued a challenge to the Matildas fans. “We love a big crowd, we love a loud crowd,” said Foord, who grew up just an hour away, on Australia’s south-east coast. “I still think Sydney can be louder.”
When Foord scored midway through the first half on Monday evening, the first of two goals from the Matildas that took them past Denmark and into the World Cup quarter-finals, she wheeled away towards the corner flag. The Arsenal attacker looked up at the green-and-gold-clad fans, as they had begun a goal-induced moment of collective ecstasy. Foord raised a hand to her ear, as if to say “louder still”. The crowd erupted and the winger duly leapt into the air in gratitude. It was loud all right.
