‘Statue for fourth is nuts’: Matildas’ ‘over the top’ World Cup tribute criticised

The Matildas’ historic World Cup run will be honoured by a significant tribute in Brisbane, but some have labelled it “over the top”.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 20: Sam Kerr and Annastacia Palaszczuk ,Premier of Queensland, unveil a photo memento presented to the Matildas players during the Australian Matildas community reception following their 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup campaign, at City Botanic Gardens on August 20, 2023 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

The Queensland government’s decision to honour the Matildas with a statue outside Suncorp Stadium has been labelled “over the top”.

The Matildas became the first Australian football team, male or female, to make the semi-finals of a FIFA World Cup as they captured the hearts of the nation on a fairytale run on home soil.

Australia played scintillating football in a resurgent 4-0 win over Canada and had the entire country on edge during a thrilling penalty shootout win over France in the quarterfinals as they made history.

The Matildas’ run came to an end with a semi-final loss against England and a disappointing defeat to Sweden in the bronze medal playoff game.

The tournament has been heralded as a breakthrough for women’s sport in Australia and sparked calls for equal prize money, as well as increased funding for grassroots football and female sporting facilities.

The Matildas were handed the keys to the city at a farewell event in Brisbane as Nikki Webster brought the house down with a rendition of her iconic tune Strawberry Kisses.

Sam Kerr and Annastacia Palaszczuk unveil a photo memento that will become a statue outside Suncorp Stadium. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk unveiled a plaque featuring a photo of the Matildas’ reaction to Cortnee Vine’s matchwinning penalty against France.

Palaszczuk said the iconic image would be captured in a new statue outside Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium in honour of the Matildas’ World Cup campaign.

The Matildas will join the likes of sporting icons like John Eales and Wally Lewis to be immortalised in bronze outside Suncorp Stadium.

The Matildas were also presented with the keys to the city of Brisbane. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

But not everyone is happy with the tribute. Former Australian basketballer Andrew Bogut and tennis player Nick Kyrgios said the Matildas’ fourth place finish didn’t justify a statue.

Bogut tweeted: “Matildas did well……Statue? No. A Gold/First Place is a statue and over the top celebration worthy achievement.

“Anything below is good, have a celebration or two, then move on.

“This goes for all Sports btw. A for effort, N for No statue.”

Kyrgios responded: “Agree. Great effort! Statue for fourth is nuts but they had us all on the edge of our seats! Next time.”

Ms Palaszczuk said: “There are plenty (of statues) there, celebrating our male sporting champions, it’s time we celebrated women as well...you deserve your place amongst the greatest.”

It was separately announced a large mural of the Matildas would be erected outside Sydney’s Stadium Australia.

Spain won their first women’s World Cup, defeating England 1-0 in the final to create their own slice of history.