‘I want to try to do the cool tricks’: how the Matildas are inspiring the next generation of Australian footballers

Students Amanda (left), Kayla and Mia at Meriden Anglican school for girls in Sydney. Photograph: Blake Sharp-Wiggins/The Guardian

At a girls school only minutes away from Sydney’s Stadium Australia, the students have all tied yellow and green ribbons in their hair.

Asked by a teacher during Monday morning’s assembly who would be watching the Matildas’ round of 16 clash against Denmark, the girls shoot up their hands.