In late July, the FIFA Women’s World Cup kicked off as Australia’s team, the Matildas, faced off against Ireland. In the days leading up to the match, there were only hints in Sydney’s central business district that a major international sporting event was about to take place. The media had barely promoted the competition, and as one commentator described it, there was “barely a lick of excitement in the air.” It was emblematic of the neglect of women’s sports.
Just three weeks later, the Matildas have transformed Australia’s sports landscape sensationally with their August 13 quarterfinal win against France.
Now, on the eve of the Matildas’ August…