Matildas advertisement goes viral with list of achievements

The Matildas have captured Australia’s attention in their inspiring Women’s World Cup campaign — and now they’re melting Aussie hearts.

Australia is in awe of what the Matildas have achieved. Picture: Supplied

The past month of the Women’s World Cup has had Australia behind the Matildas like few sporting teams have every had.

They had us laugh and cheer. They’ve had us cry tears of joy and heartbreak. And they’ve given Australia memories and will leave a legacy that will linger on for generations to come.

But while it may seem like it was an overnight success that saw everyone jump on the bandwagon, it’s been anything but easy for the Matildas.

Australian comedian Charlie Pickering shared a photo of a billboard showing a list of everything the atildas have accomplished ever since their first international match against Thailand.

Australia is in awe of what the Matildas have achieved. Picture: Supplied

We don’t deserve the @TheMatildas#Tilitsdonepic.twitter.com/11vA0naGea

— Charlie Pickering (@charliepick) August 19, 2023

The list covers the first Australian women’s team back in 1978 — ‘Til our very first international match’ — to ‘qualify for a World Cup’ to ‘we’re voted Australia’s favourite team’ and everything in between, there was plenty of history behind the Matildas.

Ticking off all their achievements in the Matildas history and with “we get our fair share of the funding”, “we’re paid the same”, “we bring it at the Paris Olympics” and “we go all the way in 2027” still to tick off, it shows the bandwagon is still driving forward.

Pickering posted: “We don’t deserve the @TheMatildas”.

Sydney Morning Herald reporter Vince Rugari commented: “This is quite beautiful”.

Director of the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation Sarah Styles added: “Love this. So very much”.

Importantly, there were a number of objectives not crossed off the lengthy list including equal pay, receiving a fair share of the government’s recently-announced $200 million grant and winning the 2027 World Cup.

I’ve lost it. This sign made me cry. #Matildashttps://t.co/IJzsEkWjM0

— Emily Mayo (@iamemilymayo) August 19, 2023

The @TheMatildas are an extraordinary team.

That’s been true since before most of us (me included) could pick Carpenter, Kerr or Foord out on the filed. ⚽️ #TilitsDonehttps://t.co/TGX681OaAF

— Annette 🛋️ (@theverbsblog) August 19, 2023

They’re inspired more than just warm feelings with their success likely helping to spur the government to commit $200 million to women’s sport that will be spent across the country.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the “Play Our Way” program would help ensure the “next generation of Sam Kerrs and Mackenzie Arnolds” would get the infrastructure and facilities they need to get ahead in their sport.

It follows superstar Sam Kerr’s plea in the wake of the devastating loss to England, that “we need funding in our development, we need funding in our grassroots. We need funding everywhere”.

The Matildas faced off against Sweden for third place in the championship from 8pm on Saturday.

- with Fox Sports