From Women’s World Cup euphoria to Olympic despair: how did the Matildas get here?

Cortnee Vine, Ellie Carpenter and Sam Kerr – three players central to the Matildas narrative over the past three years. Composite: Guardian Design/Getty Images

The Matildas captured the hearts and minds of the nation as Australia co-hosted the 2023 Women’s World Cup. But it has been anything but smooth sailing for the national team since then.

With a second showpiece tournament on home soil in less than three years beginning on Sunday when the Matildas meet the Philippines in Perth, here are the highs and many lows that the hosts have navigated on their path to the Women’s Asian Cup.