FIFA Women’s World Cup friendly 2023: Matildas fever hits Marvel Stadium

Matildas fans have descended on Marvel Stadium to give the Aussie team a rousing send-off ahead of next week’s FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Marvel Stadium was a sea of green and gold, with a tinge of bleu on Bastille Day, as Matildas fans gave their heroes a rousing send-off before next week’s FIFA Women’s World Cup on home soil.

A sell-out crowd of 50,629 packed the ground for the friendly against fifth-ranked France.

Fans donned gold scarfs and beanies, wore face paint and waved Aussie flags to create a carnival atmosphere at the ground.

Aussie striker Sam Kerr was clearly a fans’ favourite as thousands arrived for the match. Many had Kerr’s No 20 on the back of their shirts.

Joe Wright, Sophia Stathoulis and Kirsten Smith. Picture: Tony Gough

Fervent supporter Sophia Stathoulis said the match would be a good chance to give the squad’s younger players crucial minutes ahead of the first World Cup game.

“It’ll be interesting to see (coach) Tony Gustavsson’s approach to the game seeing as we have the World Cup around the corner,” the 22-year-old who works for Football Queensland said.

“From a World Cup point of view, it’s great to see the Matildas in action against the best teams in the world.

“It’s really interesting to see the mix between the young and the old. It’ll be a new brand of football that we haven’t seen before. It’s really exciting!”

The football coach was keen to see what Gustavsson could do with the Matildas.

“Tony’s had this squad for a while now and this is the pinnacle of what he’s been able to achieve.

Jayde Lowe, Helen Moseley and Natalie Boyd. Picture: Tony Gough

“He led the United States to World Cup success in 2019 as an assistant coach and he’s had really strong results lately,” Ms Stathoulias said.

Kelly Cardillo said she’s “super pumped” about the match while her husband Ross said, “I can’t wait for the World Cup to start.”

Mr Cardillo is optimistic that the Matildas will go home victorious tonight.

He predicted a 3-nil victory for the home side.

Harrison Taylor-Lynch was looking forward to the World Cup yelling, “Go the Matildas!”

Cortni O’Donnell and Sarah Bender were also excited about watching the Matildas in action.

“We’re just excited,” Ms O’Donnell said.

The 28-year-old midfielder said it was great for the younger generation to see their role models up close and personal.

Porzia, Eva and Lily Sloan-Raso. Picture: Tony Gough

“It’s a great thing for female football and female sport in Australia. Not only to have the World Cup but having stadiums filled up like Marvel Stadium with over 50,000 fans. They don’t even fill it for AFL, so it’s really cool. And having people come from all across the country and other countries as well to watch these games is sensational. Coming from grassroots female sports, it’s great to see.”

“It’s not unattainable for the young ones. It’s really cool for them to see their idols up close so they can aspire to do that too.”

The Cardillo family.

Her friend Sarah said she “can’t wait for the atmosphere. It’s awesome!”

Dave Williams travelled from Wollongong with his young family just to see the Matildas live.

He said, “It should be a good game coming up against the world number five. Hopefully they can perform well.”

“It’s good to see there’s a massive turnout. Lots of good vibes happening around the city. It’s great for soccer in Australia.”

Mr Williams coaches the Under 9’s girls Woonona Sharks and said the Matildas playing well is great for the growth of women’s football in Australia.

“My daughter has been playing soccer since she was six.”

Sage Kelly and Zoe Kelly. Picture: Tony Gough

Sage Kelly said, “I think it’s amazing as a starter to the World Cup. It’s going to be an amazing atmosphere.

“It’s going to be tough considering France is the fifth in the world and the Matildas are tenth but hopefully they can pull out a win,” Ms Kelly said.

The 18-year-old said she was optimistic about Australia’s chances of winning the World Cup.

“I think the Matildas will have a really good chance at the World Cup.”

Ms Kelly said it was unreal to have the World Cup in Australia.

“It’s like a once in a lifetime experience having it here. The World Cup happens every four years so to have it on Australian soil is incredibly amazing.”

“I’m hoping the Matildas will make it all the way and win the cup,” the passionate fan who is also a Bachelor of Music performance student said.

Matilda’s fans flocked to Marvel Stadium for the friendly against France. Pictured Lee Zerner an Dave Williams with Emmy, 8. Picture: Tony Gough

The Matildas, ranked 10th in the world, have now played five of the top 10 nations in the world in the last 12 months, as well as friendlies against Denmark (13th) and Scotland (23rd).

More than 1m tickets have been sold for the one-month World Cup that will be hosted between Australia and New Zealand.

Despite the Matildas having never progressed beyond the quarterfinals at a World Cup, expectations are high for the 2023 squad, with stars Kerr and Mary Fowler leading the Aussie charge.

Melbourne will host Australia’s final group game against tournament dark horse Canada on July 31 at the rectangular stadium.