The Matildas returned to Hindmarsh and delivered in style
The Matildas starred at Hindmarsh Stadium on the same day the State Government announces it would bid for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
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The Matildas could reignite a debate which has been had many times.
Perhaps it’s time to again for punters to have a major say in the game.
Since South Australian soccer lost Hindmarsh Stadium when the federation turned it over to bureaucracy due to the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games redevelopment fiscal ‘blow out’, the home of soccer of late has had a very clinical untouchable feel.
Like it had been disconnected from the game, but, the Matildas brought back that ‘family’ atmosphere on Tuesday night.
On Tuesday, the State Government announced South Australia would now bid for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, which is not only magnificent for the state, it’s a chance to give the stadium back to the game.
Just like the old days.
The Matildas hosting and beating Chile 1-0 in front of more than 10,000 fans was the biggest international crowd at Hindmarsh since the Socceroos hosted New Zealand in a 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifier in 2004.
Back then, the stadium belonged and was controlled by soccer people, local clubs had a voice as to who used it.
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Furthermore, superstar Sam Kerr gracing Hindmarsh was likened to the days when it was regularly on the Socceroos calendar featuring Aurelio and Tony Vidmar, Damian Mori, Milan Ivanovic, Stan Lazaridis, Paul Okon, Mark Viduka, John Kosmina, David Mitchell and Tim Cahill.
SA’s Jenna McCormick and Emma Checker making their international mark at Hindmarsh was another step in the right direction despite all the focus being on Kerr and her next club move abroad.
Kerr leaving Australian shores yet again proves soccer in this country cannot hold onto its best.
It’s inevitable, but Hindmarsh can be an SA child’s Wembley Stadium – if they’re allowed to play on there again regularly like it was not that long ago.
Australians should embrace the power of the world game and not begrudge Kerr for a move abroad, being the finest advert for women’s soccer this country has seen.
Kerr said she needs a rest, taking a sabbatical before making her move.
“Bali … but spending time at home (Perth) with the family and friends too,’’ Kerr said.
“Yeah, it’s my body, obviously I have been going back and forth, but also your mind, I have been going non-stop and the Matildas have gained a whole lot of exposure in the last few years so our lives have changed dramatically and it will just be nice to turn off from football and enjoy myself.”
Kerr, like McCormick, is a product of grassroots soccer.
“Bloody awesome, it was pretty good and nice to hear a home town roar so I’m just glad Adelaide got to see a win,’’ McCormick said.
Now, the Women’s World Cup announcement is a massive chance for State Government to get it right with upgrades and deliver the venue back to the entire soccer community.
Soccer doesn’t need to be played at Adelaide Oval, but Hindmarsh must be given a bigger capacity – perhaps 20,000 with cover for fans like the new Western Sydney Stadium.
Juniors must have the chance to play there again and Adelaide United can benefit from the goodwill.
Matildas coach Ante Milicic also praised Adelaide and the stadium.
“It’s (Hindmarsh) always been a fantastic spot, a fantastic place,’’ he said.
“You look on a Tuesday night, the crowd it is really a footballing stadium, Adelaide has always been a good footballing town, it’s great to see.”