US World Champ Jessica McDonald’s ‘powerful’ Matildas reveal
Australia is right behind the Matildas to go all the way at the World Cup but there is also plenty of love coming from around the world.
Australia is right behind the Matildas ahead of the Women’s World Cup semi-final but the support is coming in from around the world.
At World No. 10, the Matildas are the lowest ranked team left in the World Cup and the clear underdogs to knock off World No. 4 England at Stadium Australia and play off for the title against Spain on Sunday.
But while the odds and the rankings are in England’s favour, the Matildas have received support from all around the world.
Thanks to a bet from Anthony Albanese, we already know that France, who the Matildas vanquished in the quarterfinal shootout last Saturday, are on board, as French president Emmanuel Macron pledged his support.
Now we’ve got a US World Champion behind the Matildas.
Speaking on Optus Sports after the first semi-final, 2019 World Cup winner for the United States and 19-cap international Jessica McDonald revealed why she was behind the Matildas in an emotional speech.
“I guess I’ll get a little personal … this is a story I haven’t told many people,” McDonald said.
“Thirteen years ago, I fully ruptured my patella tendon. I was told I had no chance of ever playing football ever again. In the middle of that recovery, I find out I’m pregnant with my son.
“So here I am, two year recovery from two major things in my life, physically, and all I ever wanted to do was play football – and that was taken away from me for two years.
“I didn’t know what I was going to do with my life, but when I recovered from having my son and knee surgery as well, I got a second chance at playing football again – and this country gave that to me — Playing in the W-League for Melbourne Victory.
“This country has given me so many opportunities: here I am, working for Optus Sport in the media at the Women’s World Cup. I played for Western United in their inaugural season. And this country has helped change my life.
“I’ve been able to have a second chance at playing professional football again and if there’s any team who is in this tournament still that is not the USA, obviously I have to root for the Matildas, because I feel like an adopted Australian.
“At the end of the day, this is really me showing my appreciation for this country, because I wouldn’t be a World Cup champion, I wouldn’t be a three-time National Women’s Soccer League champion, my journey as a footballer would not have gone the way that it has without my second chance at playing again, because of this country.
“So my love for this country is next level than what I open up about to people. Last World Cup I got to win it with Tony G (then US assistant, now Matildas head coach) – so I have to go with the Matildas.”
She later added on social media: “I had to get sentimental for the Aussies in this one. Huge shoutout to this country. I appreciate you more than you know.”
Fans appreciated the raw comments ahead of the Matildas’ maiden World Cup semi-final.
New York Times best-selling author Jonathan Coleman wrote: “Jessica, you have long been one of my favourites. For what you stand for, your genuineness, and the parent you are. Oh, and lest I forget —as a terrific footballer.”
Other fans commented: “so many onions being cut”, as well as “beautiful and powerful”.
I had to get sentimental for the Aussies in this one. Huge shoutout to this country. I appreciate you more than you know 🥹ðŸ™ðŸ½â™¥ï¸ https://t.co/cfK7xD03b9
— Jessica McDonald (@J_Mac1422) August 15, 2023
The Matildas’ run has seen plenty of emotions flowing and expect more of the same regardless of the result tonight.
Australia has been right behind the Matildas with unprecedented scenes on home soil rarely if ever seen since Cathy Freeman at the 2000 Olympics with the entire nation seemingly on the bandwagon.
It’s seen brilliant scenes, including the raw emotions from Chloe Logarzo after the Matildas made the semi-finals for the first time.
Logarzo was one of the unlucky provisional players selected for the Matildas’ squad to miss out on the final squad, having battled injuries over the past two years.
But her raw pride after seeing her teammates win through to the semi-final overflowed in brilliant scenes on Saturday.
“What people don’t understand is that we’ve been in this situation twice before and we’ve lost major tournaments because of penalties,” Logarzo said.
“And I’m so proud of the people who missed those penalties who stood up and took that because it takes a lot of courage to be able to do it. And I couldn’t be more prouder than us making history. And I can just feel how amazing it feels and just, I’m so proud.”
Regardless of the result, the Matildas have already made history but we all might need to have a Kleenex or two handy.
Socceroos’ ‘catastrophic’ effort against China
Tony Popovic’s Socceroos have come in for some heavy criticism after a disappointing start to their World Cup qualifier against China.
What the road to 2026 looks like for Popovic’s Socceroos
With change afoot for the struggling Socceroos there is no time to waste on their mission to reach the 2026 World Cup. Find out what’s gone wrong and how they can still reach North America here.
‘Out of gas’: Socceroos speak out as Arnie quits in WC shock
Australia is on the hunt for a new coach - and already has several names in mind - after longtime mentor Graham Arnold quit in the midst of a dismal start to their World Cup qualification.