Never Seen Anything Like This, says Ellyse Perry on Matildas
Former Matilda turned cricket superstar Ellyse Perry has hailed the team’s performance at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, saying she has “never seen anything like it”.
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The Matildas reached the semi-finals of the tournament, their best-ever finish, before losing to Sweden. They also set a new record for the highest-ever attendance for a women’s football match in Australia, with 86,174 fans turning out to watch their quarter-final against Norway.
Perry, who played for the Matildas from 2007 to 2012, said she was “blown away” by the team’s performances.
“I don’t think we’ve ever really seen anything like this,” she said. “The level that they’re playing at, the style that they’re playing, the amazing entertainment that they are.
“It’s just been incredible to watch.”
Perry also praised the Matildas’ fans, saying they had created a “carnival” atmosphere at the tournament.
“The fans have been amazing,” she said. “They’ve really created a carnival atmosphere around the team and it’s been incredible to see.”
Perry said she believes the Matildas’ success will have a lasting impact on women’s football in Australia.
“I think it’s going to be a watershed moment for women’s football in Australia,” she said. “It’s going to inspire a whole new generation of girls and women to play the game.”
Perry is not the only one to be impressed by the Matildas’ World Cup campaign. FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the team had “set a new standard” for women’s football.
“The Matildas have shown the world what is possible when women’s football is given the support it deserves,” he said. “They have inspired millions of fans around the world and they are a role model for girls and women everywhere.”
The Matildas’ success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players, coaches, and staff. It is also a sign of the growing popularity of women’s football in Australia. The future is bright for the Matildas and women’s football in Australia.
