For those in the business of divining metaphors and adding meaning to everyday eventualities – journalists, say – news that the Matildas had arrived in Marseille ahead of their Olympic opener sans baggage came as a gift. The Australian women’s national team had taken a charter flight on Friday to the southern French city from a team camp in Spain, but important luggage – including personal items and medical equipment – did not journey with them. Initial efforts to repatriate the baggage have proven unfruitful.
No doubt the problem will soon be resolved; Australian chef de mission Anna Meares told the media on Monday that mission-critical items were being purchased in Marseille while the team awaited their baggage. The hiccup is more minor annoyance than serious obstacle; it is unlikely to materially impact the players when they face Germany on Thursday evening (3am AEST).
