On one of the team’s grandest stages yet, with a nation watching expectantly, the Matildas fluffed their lines. After opening their Women’s World Cup campaign with a nervy win a week ago against Ireland, victory over Nigeria on Thursday would have sent the tournament co-hosts sailing into the knockout round. Instead, defensive calamities and attacking inefficiencies consigned the Matildas to an all-or-nothing group-stage finale. Australia’s World Cup hopes remain alive – but a decisive clash with Canada stands between the Matildas and the round of 16.
How did it come to this? The Matildas entered the World Cup on a high, buoyed by unprecedented home support and a run of victories over tough opposition. A pre-tournament triumph over European heavyweights France only added to the optimism felt by Australian fans, everyone from the prime minister (who was in the stands on Thursday) down.
