Someone pinch me. You might think that as a former player who has featured at three previous Women’s World Cups, I’d be used to the hype. But with 2023 tournament nearly upon us, anticipation is at an all-time high.
To host a World Cup is a privilege, and as a country that is still not recognised as a “football nation” in the men’s game, the Matildas are punching well above Australia’s weight. Now with a huge home advantage and individual players thriving in the world’s best leagues, Tony Gustavsson’s side are among the contenders to go and win the whole thing.
Even though I retired nearly 15 years ago, it still feels like yesterday that the adrenaline was pumping as we walked down the tunnel and out into the stadium, bellowed the national anthem with my teammates, and experienced pleasure or pain upon hearing the final whistle.
As a player, anticipation for the World Cup begins years out and continues every day, with the focus always on that first game. The expectation players put on themselves was a burden, and back then shared only amongst teammates, a handful of under-resourced and tireless administrators, and close friends and family. There was only a small community that understood the passion, dedication and sacrifice given for the biggest event of a player’s life. And people still asked, “do women play football?”
While players wrestled with this experience, it was not recognised or respected by the nation they desperately wanted to make proud. Furthermore they were made to hide in the shadows of their male counterparts within their own football communities. But not any more.
I was a part of the historic 2007 campaign when the Matildas registered their first World Cup win and their first progression to the next round. By scoring goals in the dying moments of crucial games against Norway and Canada to progress to the quarter-finals, the “never say die” motto was born and began to resonate with the average Australian. There was huge admiration for the “Aussie battler” fighting spirit that still remains today.
A rise up the rankings followed before the current generation of players, led by Sam Kerr and now in the peak of their careers, took Australia into the top 10. It’s no wonder many of them are now household names and the team is among Australia’s favourites.
The women’s game has progressed immeasurably and now Australians will experience up close and personal how super these women really are. But it’s not just the Matildas who turn up the inspiration dial. Over 700 phenomenal women from around the world will show their class and quality on Australian and New Zealand shores this month.
They not only deserve but command respect. The World Cup is an event that can continue to drive our society forward to fulfil our human potential in gender equality and inclusion and every person can celebrate how far we’ve come, yet continue to acknowledge the daily battles we still face.
Yes we have some way to go. I work in the building trades now and barely see another woman on the job. I use the old stinky port-a-loos and my workmates still get surprised how fit and strong I am. I politely educate them that there are many other women out there stronger than me. I sarcastically ask if they’ve bought their tickets to the World Cup yet. I like to chuckle to myself in those moments.
I love that the Women’ World Cup shouts “The time is now!” It’s time to celebrate how strong women are, and for the world to witness women enjoying the game they love with their best friends. It is time for us to all continue to strive together for greatness.
So when you see or hear of the Women’s World Cup over the next month, remember this isn’t just about the Matildas, but all those long before them who paved the way. It’s the women’s football community that now stands proud. We came from humble beginnings, in the shadows of our brothers and, whilst holding respect and admiration for them, we waited patiently for our time. Here it is.
Joey Peters is an Australian former footballer who made 110 appearances for the Matildas
