40 Facts About Matildas

Origins and Early Days

The Matildas, Australia's women's national football team, have a storied history filled with milestones and memorable moments. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about their origins and early days.

1. The team's name, "Matildas," comes from the Australian folk song "Waltzing Matilda." This iconic song has been a part of Australian culture for over a century, making it a fitting choice for the women's national football team.

2. The first Australian women's football team was established in 1978 to participate in the first World Women's Invitational Tournament in Chinese Taipei. This marked the beginning of their journey in international football.

3. In 2007, the Matildas qualified for the World Cup finals for the first time, marking a significant milestone in their journey to becoming a top-tier team.

Record-Breaking Moments

The Matildas have set numerous records and achieved remarkable feats throughout their history. Here are some of their most notable accomplishments.

4. In 2019, the Matildas set a record for the highest attendance at a standalone women's football match in Australian history with 20,029 spectators watching them play against Chile.

5. During their quarterfinal win against France in the 2023 World Cup, the Matildas made history by winning the longest penalty shootout ever seen in a World Cup.

Star Players and Personalities

The Matildas boast some of the most talented and celebrated players in women's football. Let's get to know a few of them.

6. Team captain Sam Kerr is one of the most celebrated players in the team. She is the only female football player to have won the Golden Boot in three different leagues and on three different continents.

7. Sam Kerr started playing soccer at a young age. When she was 5 years old, she hid her gender to continue playing in a boys' soccer team in her hometown of Perth. However, her dad and coach eventually stopped her from playing with the boys due to the rough nature of the game.

8. Hayley Raso has been wearing a ribbon in her hair since she entered the sport as a child. The ribbon helps her grandma spot her on the field.

9. Mary Fowler wears gloves not to keep warm but to stop her from fidgeting. This unique habit has become one of her distinctive characteristics.

Olympic Achievements

The Matildas have made their mark in the Olympics with impressive performances and memorable moments.

10. The Matildas' Tokyo 2020 Olympic squad featured a perfect blend of youth and experience. The youngest member was Mary Fowler, while Aivi Luik was the seasoned campaigner at 36 years old.

11. Tokyo 2020 saw eight Olympic debutants join the team, including teenagers Mary Fowler, Courtney Nevin, Charlotte Grant, and Kyra Cooney-Cross.

12. Fourteen players from the Matildas returned for their second Olympic Games after Rio 2016. Among them were Steph Catley, Caitlin Foord, Elise Kellond-Knight, Alanna Kennedy, Clare Polkinghorne, Chloe Logarzo, and Kyah Simon.

13. Sam Kerr's early strike against Germany in the 2016 Olympics broke the Matildas' 12-year wait for an Olympic goal. Other goal scorers included Caitlin Foord, Alanna Kennedy, Clare Polkinghorne, and Kyah Simon.

Unique Traditions and Habits

The Matildas have some unique traditions and habits that set them apart from other teams.

14. During the Tokyo Olympics, players were assigned numbers between 1 and 18. After the initial squad was extended to 22 players, some players changed their numbers. For example, captain Sam Kerr dropped the '0' from her well-known number 20 and started wearing the number 2.

15. The Matildas have been at the forefront of LGBTQI+ support in sports. The team's inclusive environment has made it a haven for players from diverse backgrounds.

16. Australia stands alongside Brazil as having the most LGBTQI+ players in the 2023 World Cup with a total of 9 players and 3 reserves. Among them are Mackenzie Arnold, Sam Kerr, and Ellie Carpenter.

Media and Community Engagement

The Matildas are not just a football team; they are also ambassadors for their community and have been featured in various media projects.

17. In 2023, Disney+ released an Australian Original series titled "Matildas: The World at Our Feet," which follows the CommBank Matildas on their journey to the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.

18. "Matildas: The World at Our Feet" is accompanied by a book titled "What Makes a Matilda," which explores what it takes to be one of Australia’s top female footballers. The book is aimed at readers aged eight and up and delves into the team's journey from their first international competition to their preparations for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.

19. The book "What Makes a Matilda" features in-depth player profiles that highlight the skills and personalities of the team members. It is designed to delight young football fans and provide them with a deeper understanding of what it takes to be part of the Matildas.

20. The Matildas are not just a team; they are also ambassadors for their community. They engage in various charity initiatives and promote women's football across Australia, inspiring young girls to take up the sport.

Historical Milestones

The Matildas have achieved several historical milestones that have cemented their place in women's football history.

21. Until 2008, the Matildas shared the name 'Socceroos' with the men’s national football team. However, they have since adopted their own unique name, which has helped them establish their identity as a separate and distinct team.

22. The Matildas have participated in four Olympic Games, with the Tokyo 2020 squad being their fourth appearance. They have consistently shown a blend of youth and experience, which has been a key factor in their success.

23. The Tokyo 2020 squad boasted an average age of 27.5 years, making it the oldest Matildas squad to feature at the Olympics. Despite this, there was still a mix of young guns like Mary Fowler and Kyra Cooney-Cross who were expected to make a significant impact.

24. Ellie Carpenter, who was just 21 years old during the Tokyo Olympics, had already accumulated 44 appearances for the national team. She also had a UWCL medal to her name, showcasing her experience and skill.

25. Teagan Micah, another young player, had already picked up several accolades by the time of the Tokyo Olympics. She was a standout performer on her Matildas debut against Sweden in June 2021.

26. Aivi Luik, who was 36 years old during the Tokyo Olympics, brought a wealth of experience to the team. She had already amassed over 100 Matildas caps and was no stranger to finding the back of the net.

Goal Scoring Prowess

The Matildas have a strong record when it comes to goal scoring, with several players making significant contributions.

27. Sam Kerr's early strike against Germany in the 2016 Olympics broke the Matildas' 12-year wait for an Olympic goal. Other goal scorers included Caitlin Foord, Alanna Kennedy, Clare Polkinghorne, and Kyah Simon.

28. The Matildas have a strong record when it comes to goal scoring. Players like Sam Kerr, Caitlin Foord, Alanna Kennedy, Clare Polkinghorne, and Kyah Simon have all contributed significantly to the team's goal tally.

Future Prospects

The Matildas continue to be a force to be reckoned with in women’s football. With a strong squad and a commitment to promoting women’s football, they are poised to achieve even greater heights in the future.

29. The Matildas have been on a journey to become one of the top teams in women’s football. From their early days in 1978 to their current status as a powerhouse, they have consistently shown determination and skill.

30. The Disney+ series "Matildas: The World at Our Feet" provides an intimate look at the team's journey to the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023. It captures the highs and lows of the team as they prepare for one of the biggest tournaments in women’s football.

31. "Matildas: The World at Our Feet" is accompanied by a book titled "What Makes a Matilda," which is aimed at readers aged eight and up. The book explores what it takes to be one of Australia’s top female footballers and provides young readers with a deeper understanding of the team’s journey.

32. The book "What Makes a Matilda" features in-depth player profiles that highlight the skills and personalities of the team members. It is designed to delight young football fans and provide them with a deeper understanding of what it takes to be part of the Matildas.

33. Sam Kerr is not only the captain of the Matildas but also one of the most accomplished players in the team. She has won the Golden Boot in three different leagues and on three different continents, making her a legend in the sport.

34. The Matildas are not just a team; they are also ambassadors for their community. They engage in various charity initiatives and promote women’s football across Australia, inspiring young girls to take up the sport.

35. Until 2008, the Matildas shared the name ‘Socceroos’ with the men’s national football team. However, they have since adopted their own unique name, which has helped them establish their identity as a separate and distinct team.

36. The Tokyo 2020 squad boasted an average age of 27.5 years, making it the oldest Matildas squad to feature at the Olympics. Despite this, there was still a mix of young guns like Mary Fowler and Kyra Cooney-Cross who were expected to make a significant impact.

37. Ellie Carpenter, who was just 21 years old during the Tokyo Olympics, had already accumulated 44 appearances for the national team. She also had a UWCL medal to her name, showcasing her experience and skill.

38. Teagan Micah, another young player, had already picked up several accolades by the time of the Tokyo Olympics. She was a standout performer on her Matildas debut against Sweden in June 2021.

39. Aivi Luik, who was 36 years old during the Tokyo Olympics, brought a wealth of experience to the team. She had already amassed over 100 Matildas caps and was no stranger to finding the back of the net.

40. The Matildas continue to be a force to be reckoned with in women’s football. With a strong squad and a commitment to promoting women’s football, they are poised to achieve even greater heights in the future.

The Matildas' Impact on Women's Football

The Matildas have become a symbol of determination, skill, and community in women's football. From their humble beginnings in 1978 to their current status as a powerhouse, they've consistently inspired fans with their performances. Key players like Sam Kerr and Ellie Carpenter have set records and broken barriers, showcasing the team's talent on the global stage. Their support for LGBTQI+ representation and community initiatives further highlights their role as ambassadors for positive change. With a blend of youth and experience, the Matildas continue to push the boundaries of what's possible in women's football. As they prepare for future challenges, their journey serves as an inspiration for young athletes everywhere. The Matildas' legacy is not just about their achievements on the field but also their impact off it, making them a beloved and influential team in Australian sports culture.