103-775: The Australia women's national soccer team is overseen by the governing body for soccer in Australia , Football Australia , which is currently a member of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the regional ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) since leaving the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) in 2006. The team's official nickname is "the Matildas " (from the Australian folk song Waltzing Matilda ; officially known as
206-740: A FIFA member through the Australian Soccer Association. Though Australia's membership was soon suspended in 1960 after disobeying FIFA mandate on recruiting foreign players without a transfer fee. In 1961, the Australian Soccer Federation was formed and later admitted to FIFA in 1963, after outstanding fines had been paid. In 1966, Australia became founding members of the Oceania Football Federation (now Oceania Football Confederation ). Pre-1960s, competitive soccer in Australia
309-449: A second-tier professional league ; club licensing framework; domestic transfer system; as well a potential adoption of promotion-relegation system, expected to be implemented by 2022–23. Soccer in Australia is governed by Football Australia (FA) which is currently a member of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the regional ASEAN Football Federation (AFF), since leaving the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) in 2006. FA
412-619: A World Cup for the first time. In the Round of 16, Australia defeated Denmark 2–0 with a goal in each half. It also marked Kerr's first appearance in the tournament. This was the second time Australia won a knock-out match at the Women's World Cup. Australia defeated France 7–6 in a penalty shoot-out, with the Matildas becoming the first senior Australian team to make a world cup semi-final. The quarter-final match between Australia and France also had
515-402: A feeder team for the national team. In addition there is a beach team , nicknamed the "Beach Socceroos", which represents Australia in international beach soccer and a Paralympic team , nicknamed the "Pararoos", which competes in international Paralympic association football . The participation of Australian women in soccer was first recorded in the early 1920s. It has since become one of
618-670: A friendly match against the Czech Republic in Melbourne's Bob Jane Stadium attracted only 1,500 spectators, a crowd of 10,000 came to the Matildas' game against China at the Sydney Football Stadium in June. Much anticipation surrounded the team's Olympic performance on home soil. Australia started strongly against the formidable Germany, but in the end went down 3–0. Next up was a gutsy performance against Sweden,
721-593: A goal, before White completed her hat trick. The game ended with a 4–3 win for the Matildas, resulting in Australia's first entry into an Olympic semi-final. In the semi-final Australian played against Sweden for the second time in the tournament. Despite a strong performance and a disallowed goal by Kerr, they lost 1–0, relegating them to a bronze medal match play-off against the United States. The semi-final match against Sweden broke women's sport TV viewing records in Australia, with 2.32 million viewers tuning in. In
824-625: A home Olympics featuring the best in the world further raised the profile of women's soccer in Australia. The team were the host nation for an annual invitational tournament called the Australia Cup , from 1999 to 2004 inclusive, winning it twice. Following the 2000 Olympics, many problems halted the Matildas' schedules. As Ernie Merrick backed out on his intentions to coach the team, Adrian Santrac only took over as manager in November, and Australia played no games in 2001. The following year
927-496: A major sport in the country. A distinct rise in popularity in New South Wales and Victoria, among other states, was linked to the post-World War II immigration . Migrant players and supporters were prominent, providing the sport with a new but distinct profile. Soccer served as a cultural gateway for many emigrants, acting as a social lubricant. Soccer transcended cultural and language barriers in communities which bridged
1030-424: A need for the sport to break away from the baggage left over from previous competitions. However, the move created problems within the wider community, engendering confusion due to the naming conflict with other football codes, and creating conflict with other sporting bodies. Australia ended a 32-year absent streak when the nation team qualified for the 2006 FIFA World Cup . The team's qualification and success in
1133-436: A plan called " XI Principles for the future of Australian Football ", shortened as Vision 2035 , with the aim to restructure and expand football across the country, with the rebranding of the domestic league, establishment of a national second division, alignment with FIFA Domestic Match Calendar, restart and rebuilding of Australian football products (mainly by fixing the youth football development), reducing costs of football in
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#17327824569571236-545: A poor goal difference, the Matildas did not progress from the Group stage. Soccer in Australia In Australia , Soccer , also known as British football , is the most played outdoor team sport, and ranked in the top ten for television audience as of 2015. The national governing body of the sport is Football Australia (FA) which comprises nine state and territory member federations, which oversee
1339-563: A record number of Matildas' debutantes, with 13 players making their first senior international caps, and a record number of players reaching their 100th cap milestones, including Emily Van Egmond , Kyah Simon , Sam Kerr, Alanna Kennedy and Tameka Yallop . The Matildas began 2022 by participating in the 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup, held in India. They were drawn into Group B, against Indonesia , Philippines and Thailand . They played their opening match against Indonesia, beating them 18–0,
1442-460: A record win for the team against any opponent within the Asian confederation. The game also saw Sam Kerr scoring five goals, whereby surpassing Tim Cahill 's previous Australian international goal-scoring record total of 50 goals. This made Kerr the all-time leading scorer for Australia, both male or female. Australia finished top in their group undefeated, conceding just one solitary goal, however
1545-518: A representative Victorian team and one from the neighbouring colony of New South Wales . As soccer continued to grow throughout Australia, John Fletcher's New South Wales soccer association gave inspiration to other states to establish their own governing bodies for the sport. In 1884, Victoria formed its own association, the Anglo-Australian Football Association (now Football Victoria ), as did Queensland , in
1648-472: A semi-final, defeating them 2–1, but lost 1–0 to Japan in the final. The Matildas were drawn in the " group of death " for the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup , held in Canada during June–July, sharing Group D with USA, Sweden and Nigeria . After first losing to USA 1–3, they came back into contention with a 2–0 defeat of Nigeria. The crunch last game against Sweden resulted in a 1–1 draw, with both goals scored in
1751-426: A shot by Lisa de Vanna was blocked and redirected by Brazilian goalkeeper Luciana. In the quarterfinals, the Matildas lost to defending champions Japan in a late goal by Mana Iwabuchi . The Matildas finished in seventh position overall. In the following year, they contested in qualifiers for the 2016 Summer Olympics where they finished on top of their group after defeating all their opponents bar China , to get to
1854-472: A tour of Russia in August 1994. The Oceania tournament in 1994 again doubled as World Cup qualifiers in the same round-robin format. Again, Australia finished even with New Zealand on points but this time had a superior goal difference and qualified for their first FIFA Women's World Cup . Before 1995, the nickname for the women's team was just "Female Socceroos", derivative of the male squad . Thus in 1995
1957-573: Is commonly known as " Matildas fever ". An early match took place at the Woogaroo Lunatic Asylum , located in Wacol in suburban Brisbane , on 7 August 1875, when a team of inmates and wards men from the asylum played against the visiting Brisbane Australian rules football club; the rules of the match which clearly stated that the "ball should not be handled nor carried" was a direct reference to British Association Rules. A match
2060-642: Is the A-League Youth , founded for all A-League Men clubs that have Youth sides. The league, which currently has 10 teams, is divided into two groups each with five teams. The winners of both groups contest the end-of-season Grand Final to decide the league champions. There are several cup competitions for clubs at different levels of the soccer pyramid. The only major cup competitions are the Australia Cup . There have also been other cup competitions which are no longer run: According to Ausplay in 2024, there were 1,232,726 adults and 632,249 children playing
2163-436: Is underpinned by nine member federations which oversee all aspects of the sport within their respective region, including the organisation of state league and cup tournaments as opposed to national tournaments which are organised by FA. Member federations are state-based , although New South Wales is divided into a northern and southern federation. Former and current Australian professional soccer players are represented by
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#17327824569572266-602: The CommBank Matildas for sponsorship reasons); they were known as the "Female Socceroos " before 1995. Australia is a three-time OFC champion, one-time AFC champion and one-time AFF champion. The team has represented Australia at the FIFA Women's World Cup on eight occasions (once as co-host in 2023 ) and at the Olympic Games on five, although it has won neither tournament. Their performance in
2369-547: The 1989 Oceania Cup in Brisbane with Australia entering two teams: Australia A and Australia B. After originally being separated in two groups, neither team made it to the final with Chinese Taipei defeating both Australia B and Australia A to force the Australians to take on each other for the third-place play-off, which was rained out and abandoned. The 1991 OFC Women's Championship tournament doubled as qualifiers for
2472-649: The 1991 FIFA Women's World Cup , and the winner was determined by the best results from a group. Australia finished level on points with New Zealand , but had scored fewer goals, which resulted in New Zealand progressing to the World Cup as OFC's representative. Scottish-born former professional soccer player and Sydney Olympic FC 's coach Tom Sermanni was appointed as coach of the Australian women's national soccer team in July 1994. His team played internationally on
2575-408: The 2008 AFC Women's Asian Cup . They were drawn in Group B, placing second in the group behind Japan , who they faced in the third place play-off. With the Matildas progressing from the group stage to the semi-finals, they were matched up against North Korea. North Korea won the game 3–0 and went on to win the tournament. This led Australia to the third place play-off, facing Japan for a second time in
2678-510: The 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup , held in Germany, being sorted into Group D . Despite losing 1–0 to Brazil in the opening game, victories of 3–2 and 2–1 over Equatorial Guinea and Norway respectively qualified the Matildas to the quarterfinals. At the knockout stage, the team lost 3–1 to Sweden. Caitlin Foord was awarded Best Young Player of the tournament, and defender Elise Kellond-Knight
2781-633: The 2017 Tournament of Nations event, the Matildas recorded their first ever win over the United States after 27 attempts, defeating them 1–0 in Seattle . The Matildas went on to defeat Japan 4–2 and Brazil 6–1 to finish as the inaugural tournament as champions. Following the Tournament of Nations, the Matildas scheduled a set of two friendlies in September 2017 hosting Brazil, with
2884-557: The 2018 AFC Asian Cup , held in Jordan in April, Australia qualified automatically due to their runner-up status in the 2014 tournament. They were assigned to Group B with Japan, South Korea and Vietnam. Their 0–8 win against Vietnam and two draws placed them at the top of their group, on goal difference. The Matildas reached the final after defeating Thailand in the semi-final in a penalty shoot-out, 3–1. The Australians lost 1–0 to Japan in
2987-510: The 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup , held in France, Australia qualified due to being 2018 AFC Cup runner-up. They were drawn in Group C with Italy , Brazil , and Jamaica . A 2–1 injury time loss to Italy was followed by a 3–2 win against Brazil. This victory was notable for three reasons – (i) Australia came back from a 2–0 deficit, (ii) the three goals were the first ones conceded by Brazil in
3090-497: The 2023 Cup of Nations alongside Spain , Jamaica and the Czech Republic . Australia defeated Czech Republic 4–0 in their opening game and Spain 3–2 in their second game; they only needing a draw in their final game against Jamaica to win the tournament. Australia beat Jamaica 3–0 to lift the Cup of Nations on 22 February 2023. Australia started the 2023 World Cup in July with a tense 1–0 victory over Ireland by Stephanie Catley , with
3193-455: The 2024 Olympics in Paris). In 2020, the Matildas qualified for the delayed 2020 Summer Olympics where they finished top of all competing nations during the 2020 Asian Football Confederation's Qualifying Tournament . They were placed in Group G with Sweden , United States and New Zealand , nicknamed the "Group of Death". The Olympics were postponed to July–August 2021 due to the impact of
Australia women's national soccer team - Misplaced Pages Continue
3296-454: The A-League . The restructuring of the sport in Australia also saw the adoption of "football" by administrators, in preference to "soccer", to align with the general international name of the sport . Although the use of "football" was largely cultural, as part of an attempt to reposition the sport within Australia, there were also "practical and corporate reasons for the change", including
3399-554: The COVID-19 pandemic . After beating New Zealand (2–1), losing to Sweden (4–2) and drawing with the United States (0–0), they were ranked third in their group and progressed to the quarter finals against Great Britain . During that match Australia scored the first goal, Great Britain replied with two goals from Ellen White in the second half. An equalising goal by captain Sam Kerr led to extra time. Mary Fowler and Kerr each scored
3502-611: The Professional Footballers Australia (PFA), a trade union affiliated with the Australian Council of Trade Unions and a member of FIFPro , the global representative organisation for professional soccer players. The association tends to soccer players' pay and conditions, and also protects soccer players from unfair dismissal. The A-League Men was founded in 2005 after Australia's former top-flight national league National Soccer League
3605-514: The Republic of Ireland on 21 September 2021, with it being Sam Kerr's 100th cap. Playing in Dublin, Australia lost 3–2. In October, they played a pair of home friendlies against Brazil , their first matches on home soil since 2019, recording a 3–1 win and a 2–2 draw. In November, in their final matches of the 2021 calendar year, they played another set of home friendlies against World Number On side
3708-456: The Socceroos and the Matildas respectively, compete globally. Australia cohosted the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup with New Zealand. The Matildas finished fourth in that tournament (Australia's best ever performance at any World Cup, male or female), and the majority of Australians watched them play on television or at the stadium. It had a major impact on Australian sport, and the phenomenon
3811-443: The United States , China and Denmark . During their opening match against Denmark, they lost 5–0. During the team's second match, a 4–2 loss to China, Angela Iannotta scored Australia's first goal at a World Cup. In the final group match against cup holders the United States, Australia scored first but went on to lose 4–1. In 1996, the team entered into its first kit sponsorship deal, with rising sportswear brand Asics . The deal
3914-480: The United States , recording a 0–3 defeat and a 1–1 draw. These two matches broke attendance records in Australia – the first match played on 27 November in Stadium Australia , Sydney, broke the all-time standalone Matildas' home attendance record set in 2000, with 36,109 spectators. The second game broke the attendance record of any Matildas game played at Newcastle , with 20,495 spectators. 2021 also saw
4017-721: The second round they played three matches in Perth against Iran , Philippines , and Chinese Taipei , with Australian winning 2–0, 8–0, and 3–0, respectively. They proceeded to the third round to play a pair of home and away games against Uzbekistan , winning both games (aggregate of 13–0) and qualifying for the Olympics. For the Olympic Tournament, Australia were assigned to Group B with Germany , Zambia , and United States , they played their group matches from 25 to 31 July 2024. With defeats by Germany and United States and
4120-604: The "Socceroos", represents Australia in international soccer. Australia is a four-time OFC champion, one time Asian champion and AFC National Team of the Year for 2006. The Men's team has represented Australia at the FIFA World Cup tournaments in 1974 , 2006 , 2010 , 2014 , 2018 and 2022 . In the Olympic arena, Australia first fielded a men's team at the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne. Australia did not compete again in
4223-507: The 2023 World Cup attracted significant nationwide attention and has had an impact on the perception of women's sport in Australia . The Australian Women's Soccer Association (AWSA) was founded in 1974 and a representative Australian team competed at the 1975 AFC Women's Championship . This team was officially recognised in May 2023, with all 16 members of the squad officially awarded caps. Pat O’Connor captained this team, and her husband Joe
Australia women's national soccer team - Misplaced Pages Continue
4326-551: The 21st century, a major migrant group furnishing new players in the A-League has been the African Australian community, with 34 players making an appearance in the 2020-2021 A-League season, up on 26 the previous year. These include Kusini Yengi and his brother, Tete Yengi , from South Sudan , and their friends, brothers Mohamed and Al Hassan Toure . In 2020, Football Federation Australia officially unveiled
4429-820: The Anglo-Queensland Football Association (now, Football Queensland ), and Northern New South Wales, in the Northern District British Football Association (now, Northern New South Wales Football ). In 1896, the Western Australian Soccer Football Association was formed. In 1900, a Tasmanian association was formed, and later, the South Australian British Football Association was formed in 1902. It
4532-528: The Aussie defence soaking up immense pressure. Australia took the lead only to share the points from a controversial Sweden penalty. The draw lifted Australia's hopes of still advancing into the semifinals, which they could achieve with a third-match win. A brilliant performance and a wonder goal by Sunni Hughes gave Australia the first half lead against Brazil , but two errors allowed Brazil to claim victory 2–1, quickly dissolving Australia's dreams. The legacy of
4635-535: The Australian Women's Soccer Association joined with Special Broadcasting Service to broadcast a naming competition for the female team. Out of five names, the popular vote chose "Matildas", from the song " Waltzing Matilda ". The players themselves did not approve of the name, and took years to use the moniker to describe the team. At the 1995 FIFA Women's World Cup in Sweden, Australia were grouped with
4738-482: The Olympic Games. Place into Group F , Australia lost to Canada , had a draw with Germany and defeated Zimbabwe in a 6–1 scoreline to finish as the best third placed team. Their adversary in the quarterfinals were hosts Brazil, who avenged their defeat a year earlier. The 0–0 scoreline after extra-time resulted in a penalty shootout 7–6, with Brazilian goalkeeper Bárbara saving Alanna Kennedy 's kick. At
4841-473: The Olympic arena, until the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games . Apart from London 2012 , where it failed to qualify a team, Australia has competed in all Olympic Men's Football competitions since 1988. There are also a number of national youth teams: Under-17 team , nicknamed the "Joeys"; Under-20 team , nicknamed the "Young Socceroos"; and the Under-23 team , nicknamed the "Olyroos". The latter is considered to be
4944-745: The South British Football Soccer Association), the very first administrative governing body of soccer within Australia and one of the first to be established outside the United Kingdom . In 1883, Balgownie Rangers , the oldest existing club in Australia was founded; the club currently competes in the Illawarra regional league. Later that year, the first inter-colonial game was played at the East Melbourne Cricket Ground , between
5047-493: The World Cup was revealed with the nation placed in Group C with Canada , Ghana and Norway . The opening match of the 2007 World Cup saw Australia record their first victory in a World Cup with two goals from Lisa De Vanna , who assisted Australia to a 4–1 victory over Ghana in Hangzhou . This was followed up with two draws against Norway (1–1) and Canada (2–2) with a late goal from Cheryl Salisbury ensuring Australia's spot in
5150-513: The back of good form and with their highest ever rating (4th) on FIFA's ranking list, the Matildas coach Alen Stajcic was sacked in January by Football Federation Australia (FFA). FFA's chief executive David Gallop said the decision was based on confidential surveys and conversations with players and staff. The decision was considered controversial, as the FFA refused to supply further specifics as to
5253-424: The bronze medal match, they lost 4–3 to the United States, resulting in the Matildas' seventh loss of the year. Finishing fourth, the 2020 Olympics were the Matildas' most successful performance at the Olympics, having previously never progressed beyond the quarter-finals since the sport's first inclusion, at the 1996 Olympics . After their Olympics bronze medal defeat, Australia played their first ever match against
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#17327824569575356-662: The closest being a 2–0 win over New Zealand. Qualifying for the 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup , the Australians were drawn in Group D with China, Ghana and Russia, the Australians only scored a single point at the World Cup with a 1–1 draw against China. Though two losses against Russia and Ghana meant that they finished bottom of the group. The team won the 2004 OFC Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Fiji to return to Olympic tournament in Athens 2004 . The Matildas won their first Olympic game ever against Greece , and managed to qualify for
5459-526: The country's most popular women's team sports. As with the men's game, the women's game in Australia saw a large expansion following the post-war immigration , though it is only in recent years that women's soccer has gained momentum, with such factors as the creation of the W-League and the success of the Australia women's national soccer team nicknamed "the Matildas" aiding the increasing popularity of
5562-532: The country, possibility of establishing promotion and relegation system, and expansion of women's football, with the aim to achieve the Vision 2035 for football in the country. In summer 2021, Football Australia officials announced a series of major reforms: the shift in calendar by aligning with Domestic Match Calendar and to avoid clashing with FIFA days so it could help the Socceroos to compete; establishment of
5665-438: The final again, beaten 4–1 by Taiwan. Throughout the 1980s, the team did not have an official playing kit of its own. The only playing kits available were hand-me-downs that had been donated or discarded by men's teams. Although the players were proud to be wearing an Australian strip, they were never supplied with a kit that fitted them properly. Moreover, on the eve of one international tour, several players famously had to sew
5768-514: The final in the AFC. They created history by being the first ever Australian soccer team to win the Asian Cup after beating the team of Korea DPR in penalties during the final, 5–4, after a regular time score of 1–1 (Australia's lone and equalising goal was scored by Sam Kerr ). The title gave the Matildas a berth at the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup in Germany. The following year the team contested
5871-560: The final via a penalty shoot-out against China after the Chinese came back from two goals down at half time. During early 2007, Australia competed in the qualifiers for the 2008 Olympics , which were held in China. After sweeping their group with nine points from nine, the Australians finished second in the final round group behind North Korea winning both matches against each other by a score of 2–0. Two months later, Australia's draw for
5974-512: The final, but nonetheless qualified for the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup . During July–August in that year at the 2018 Tournament of Nations Australia were once again undefeated, finishing the tournament with two wins (1–3 against Brazil, 2–0 against Japan) and one draw (1–1 with United States). They were tied with the United States at 7 points, but the US had a superior goal differential and were crowned tournament champions. Despite entering 2019 on
6077-480: The first Oceania Cup in 1983 in New Caledonia , losing the final to New Zealand in extra time . It was the first time the Australians faced a team other than the "Football Ferns" of New Zealand. A team would not be assembled again until the next edition of the tournament in 1986 tournament in New Zealand, which featured Australia, New Zealand and Taiwan , as well as New Zealand's B team. Australia lost in
6180-414: The first 15 minutes of the game. Sweden had needed to win as the Matildas only needed to draw under the three points for a win system (whereas Australia would have tied with Sweden under two points for a win system). They became the first Australian team, women's or men's, to win a knockout stage match at a World Cup when they defeated Brazil by a score of 1–0. The goal was scored by Kyah Simon after
6283-473: The first Australian national representative soccer team was constituted by the Australian Soccer Association to represent Australia for a tour of New Zealand . During the tour the Australia men's national team lost two out of the three matches against the newly formed New Zealand side . After World War I, large numbers of British and southern European arrived seeking opportunities in new industries across parts of Australia which led to establishing soccer as
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#17327824569576386-596: The first match at Penrith Stadium sold-out, which Australia won 2–1. An even larger crowd of nearly 17,000 attended the next match three days later in Newcastle – the Matildas won 3–2. In December 2017, Matildas were awarded the Public Choice Team of the Year at the Australian Institute of Sport Awards . Their striker Sam Kerr was awarded 2017 Sports Personality of the Year. At
6489-559: The formation of the National Premier Leagues in 2013 and subsequent restructuring of state leagues as part of the National Competition Review and Elite Player Pathway Review has paved the way for the development of the sport throughout the country. The launch of the Australia Cup (then known as FFA Cup) in 2014 has also similarly increased mainstream interest and grassroots development. In
6592-523: The former Yugoslavia . In 1984, the National Soccer Youth League was founded as a reserve and academy league to run in parallel to the National Soccer League. In 1996, the first national women's soccer competition, the Women's National Soccer League was founded. The National Soccer League and those for women and youth flourished through the 1980s and early 1990s, though with the increasing departure of Australian players to overseas leagues. Soccer reached notable popularity among Australian people during
6695-516: The game. In 2021 the W-League was renamed to A-League Women. Women's soccer was added to the Olympic program in 1996, with Australia first fielding a Women's team at Sydney 2000 . Australia fielded a team at the Athens 2004 Olympics, but did not qualify for the final Olympic tournament again until Rio 2016 . Australia cohosted the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup with New Zealand. The Matildas finished fourth in that tournament (Australia's best ever performance at any World Cup, male or female), and
6798-679: The gap between minority communities and other classes within the country, thus bringing about a unique unity. The most prominent soccer clubs in Australian cities during the 1950s and 1960s were based around migrant-ethnic groups , all of which expanded rapidly at that time: Croatian , Greek , Macedonian and Italian communities gave rise to most of the largest clubs, the most notable being South Melbourne (Greek-based), Sydney Olympic (Greek-based), Marconi Stallions (Italian-based), Adelaide City (Italian-based), Melbourne Knights (Croatian-based), Sydney United (Croatian-based) and Preston Lions (Macedonian-based). In 1956, Australia became
6901-459: The group stage in 16 years and (iii) it was Brazil's first group stage loss for 24 years. The game against the Brazilians is referred to as the "Miracle of Montpellier". Australia's final group game was a 4–1 win over Jamaica with Sam Kerr scoring all four goals, becoming the first Australian player — male or female — to score a hat trick at a World Cup tournament. The result had Australia finish second in their group and played Norway in
7004-430: The group stage, the Matildas scored eleven goals, which included a 4–0 win against South Korea and finished in second place in the group by goal difference. In the semi-final, goals from Caitlin Munoz and Joanne Peters gave Australia a 2–0 win over tournament favourites Japan . This win also meant that the national team qualified through to the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup which was held in China. The Matildas lost in
7107-449: The longest penalty shoot-out in the history of the FIFA Women's World Cup, with 20 total kicks. The Matildas were defeated 3–1 by England in the semi-final on 16 August. Their campaign ended with a 2–0 loss to Sweden to finish fourth. This marked the highest-ever finish of any Australian soccer team in senior level. Australia had a bye for the first round of the 2024 AFC Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament due to their FIFA ranking. For
7210-419: The majority of Australians watched them play on television or at the stadium. It had a major impact on Australian sport, and the phenomenon is commonly known as " Matildas fever ". In April 2024, the 2023–24 A-League Women season set the record for the most attended season of any women's sport in Australian history, with the season recording a total attendance of 284,551 on 15 April 2024, and finishing with
7313-412: The mid-1990s, Soccer Australia (the governing body for the sport) attempted under the Chairmanship of David Hill to shift soccer into the Australian mainstream and away from direct club-level association with migrant roots. Many clubs across the country were required to change their names and badges to represent a more inclusive community. The sport experienced major change in the country in 2003, after
7416-649: The oldest club in Australia currently in existence is Balgownie Rangers , formed in 1883 in Wollongong . Wanderers were also the first known recorded team to play under the Laws of the Game . A semi-professional national league, the National Soccer League , was introduced in 1977. The NSL was replaced by professional A-League , in 2004, which has contributed to a rise in popularity in the sport. Australia
7519-468: The only goal scored from a penalty kick. Part of this tension was due to the news that captain Sam Kerr was likely to miss the first two if not all of their group games due to a calf injury. Australia had a 3–2 loss against Nigeria. In danger of elimination, they defeated reigning Olympic champion Canada 4–0. Not only was this Australia's biggest ever win at a World Cup match, Australia topped their group at
7622-712: The organisational split, promotion and relegation does not take place between the A-League and NPL. Below the NPL, is what is commonly known as "state-league". This refers to clubs outside of NPL, although they still play in organised league competitions for each state in the Australian system . There are many district leagues and soccer clubs in Australia, examples include NSW districts Bankstown , Blacktown , Eastern Suburbs with their own semi-professional leagues with clubs from their respective districts. Many club sides have youth teams. The top level of youth soccer in Australia
7725-469: The players than their previous kit. The Matildas would assert their Continental strength at the 1998 Oceania Cup , which doubled as a World Cup qualifying tournament. Australia thrashed their Pacific island opposition in their group games and semi-final, before defeating hosts New Zealand in the final 3–1 (the only goal conceded for the tournament), and qualifying for the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup in USA. At
7828-420: The quarter finals for the first time in the team's history. In the knock-out stage, the Australians came back from two goals down early in the first half to level the match at two-all with goals from De Vanna and Lauren Colthorpe . But a 75th-minute goal from Brazilian striker, Cristiane gave Brazil a 3–2 win which ended the Matildas' World Cup run at the quarter-final stage. In 2008, the Matildas competed in
7931-550: The quarterfinals, losing to Sweden 2–1. Tom Sermanni was re-appointed coach of Australian women's team in December 2004, he had previously coached them between 1994 and 1997. In 2006, Australia moved from the Oceania Football Confederation to the Asian Football Confederation , with the following month seeing the country getting hosting rights for the 2006 AFC Women's Asian Cup . The Australians were drawn in Group B with Myanmar , North Korea , South Korea and Thailand . During
8034-671: The reasoning for their decision, which was made months out from a World Cup appearance. Players, Sam Kerr, Lydia Williams , Elise Kellond-Knight and Clare Polkinghorne spoke in support of Stajcic and voiced their surprise at his sacking. Former Australian men's national team assistant coach Ante Milicic was appointed Matildas coach in February 2019. Australian hosted the invitational Cup of Nations in February–March with visitors from New Zealand, South Korea and Argentina ; they won all three games (2–0, 4–1, 3–0) – finishing first. For
8137-668: The return match. The first recorded match in Sydney under the Laws of the Game was contested between Wanderers and members of the Kings School rugby team at Parramatta Common on 14 August 1880. The Wanderers, considered the first soccer club in Australia, was established on 3 August 1880, by English- émigré John Walter Fletcher . Later, in 1882, Fletcher formed the New South Wales English Football Association (also referred to as
8240-399: The round of sixteen. That game finished one-all after both regulation time and extra time with Norway winning the resulting penalty shoot-out 4–1. In September 2020, Football Federation Australia named Swede and former United States Women's National Soccer Team assistant coach Tony Gustavsson as the Matildas' new head coach, signing him on a deal running through 2024 (up to and including
8343-409: The second half of the 20th century. Johnny Warren , a prominent advocate for the sport, who was a member of the Australia national team at their first FIFA World Cup appearance in 1974, entitled his memoir Sheilas, Wogs, and Poofters (a reference to the Australian slang : sheila , wog , poofter ), giving an indication of how Warren considered the wider Australian community viewed "wogball". In
8446-619: The sport by Gemba found that 1.96 million Australians were actively involved in the game as a player. When coaches, referees and fans are included it is estimated that involvement with the sport is around 3.1 million. National Men's soccer teams of various age groups represent Australia in international competition. Australian national teams historically competed in the OFC , though since FFA 's move in 2006, Australian teams have competed in AFC competitions. The Australia national soccer team , nicknamed
8549-485: The sport of which about a quarter were female with an overall participation per capita of 6.9% making it the most participated team sport. According to FIFA 's Big Count in 2006, a total of 970,728 people in Australia participated in the sport, with 435,728 registered players, and 535,000 unregistered players. These numbers were higher than the equivalents for other sports such as cricket , Australian rules football , rugby league and rugby union . In 2013, an audit on
8652-458: The sport within their respective region. The season in Australia is played during the summer, to avoid clashing with Australian rules and Rugby league which dominant spectator and media interest there. Modern soccer was introduced in Australia in the late 19th century by mostly British immigrants. The first club formed in the country, Wanderers , was founded on 3 August 1880 in Sydney , while
8755-475: The team argued over the calendar proceeds with the promoter, and AWSA went into liquidation with debts of over $ 70,000; all of its other assets were absorbed by Soccer Australia (current Football Federation Australia ). In-between, many players opted to retire from the national team. In 2003, they competed in the Oceania Cup with the team winning all four matches to the combined score of 45 goals to nil with
8858-431: The team crashed out in their quarter-final match to eventual runners-up South Korea 0–1. Australia co-hosted the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup along with New Zealand, after the bidding decision was announced on 25 June 2020. As hosts, Australia automatically qualified and were drawn into Group B , which also contained Canada , Nigeria and debutante Ireland . Before the World Cup tournament, Australia participated in
8961-545: The team crest onto their tracksuit jackets with a needle and thread. The late 1980s had Australia encountering the American and European teams for the first time in the 1987 Women's World Invitational Tournament in Taiwan, and the 1988 FIFA Women's Invitation Tournament in China. For the latter tournament, the players had to sew themselves their own Australian crests onto the team tracksuits. Two years later, Australia hosted
9064-441: The team, most of the Matildas posed for an AWSA board-approved nude calendar , which sold over 40,000 units. The profile built for the sport carried into 2000, where the Matildas had a guaranteed spot for the 2000 Olympics in Sydney as host nation. In their Olympic debut, they would be facing the top seven placed teams from the previous year's Women's World Cup (which back then doubled as the Olympic qualifiers). While in January
9167-598: The then Minister for Sport , Rod Kemp , and the Australian Parliament commissioned a report by the Independent Soccer Review Committee. Its findings in the structure, governance and management of soccer in Australia led the restructure of Football Federation Australia (previously Australian Soccer Federation, Soccer Australia, Australia Soccer Association) and later in 2005, the succeeding relaunched national competition,
9270-412: The tournament and again losing, leaving the Matildas in fourth place. In 2010, the Matildas qualified for the 2010 AFC Women's Asian Cup in China. They beat Vietnam (2–0) and South Korea (3–1) before losing to China 1–0 which put them in second place in their group. They advanced to the semi-finals where they beat Japan 1–0. The final was the first time a senior soccer team (men or women) reached
9373-552: The tournament and none of the players' appearances counted as official caps . Prior to May 2023, Australia's first official international match was considered to be against New Zealand at Seymour Shaw Park in Miranda , New South Wales, Australia on 6 October 1979, as it was billed as the "1st Australian Women's International Soccer Test". Jim Selby remained as coach. A lack of resources meant Australia's subsequent seven official matches were all against New Zealand. Australia played in
9476-473: The tournament helped increase the profile and popularity of the sport in the country. The national team qualified for second and third consecutive FIFA World Cups in 2010 and 2014 ; and placed second in the 2011 AFC Asian Cup . The joining of Western Sydney Wanderers to the A-League in 2012 saw a rise in interest for the league within Australia, particularly increasing mainstream interest and re-engagement with disaffected Western Sydney soccer fans. Also,
9579-566: The tournament, Australia was grouped with Sweden , China and Ghana . In their opening match, they secured their first non-loss in a World Cup match with a 1–1 draw against the Ghanaians. Their following group matches were both 3–1 losses, finishing third in the group. Australia still did not have much attention and respect, with the Matildas forced to train with second-hand equipment from the Socceroos, not getting paid and with few games to play. In 1999, to promote themselves and raise funds for
9682-635: Was a founding member of the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) before moving to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in 2006. The main professional leagues are the A-League Men , A-League Women and the Australia Cup however foreign leagues such as the Premier League , the Championship and the Women's Super League are also popular. The men's and women's national teams, known as
9785-619: Was appointed permanent head coach of the squad in late 2014 after operating as interim coach in late April and May 2014, in preparation for the Matildas’ Asian Cup campaign,. As reigning champions, the Matildas qualified for the 2014 AFC Women's Asian Cup , which was held in Vietnam in May. They were drawn into Group A, alongside Japan , Vietnam and Jordan . With two victories and a draw against Japan they finished second placed on goal difference. Australia played against South Korea in
9888-523: Was chosen for the All-Star Team. In October 2012, after a total of 11 years as team manager, Tom Sermanni was announced as head coach of the United States women's national team , starting in January 2013. Prior to his leaving, the Australian team took part in the 2013 East Asian Cup preliminary round 2 , held in China in November 2012. They defeated Chinese Taipei 7–0 and Hong Kong 4–0 before losing to hosts, China 2–1. Kate Gill , with four goals,
9991-592: Was head coach. After finishing runner-up in their group which featured Thailand and Singapore , the Australians would lose 3–2 in the semi-final against New Zealand . A 5–0 win against Malaysia in the third-place playoff meant that the national team came third in the first Asian Cup. A national team made up primarily of players from New South Wales and Western Australia was sent to the 1978 inaugural Women's World Invitational Tournament , in Taipei , Taiwan. Australia, coached by Jim Selby, played against club teams at
10094-528: Was initiated during a chance conversation between team manager Tom Sermanni , the CEO of the AWSA, Peter Hugg, and an Asics' representative, Lawrie McKinna , who had become a fan of women's football due to his acquaintance with former team member Janine McPhee . Asics and team management jointly developed the design of the first sponsored strip; it incorporated new technology that made it lighter and more comfortable for
10197-742: Was not until 1911 that a governing body was formed to oversee soccer activities in the whole of Australia. The first such organisation was called the Commonwealth Football Association . However, this body was superseded by the Australian Soccer Association, which was formed in 1921. Australia is regarded as the first country where squad numbers in soccer were used for the first time when Sydney Leichardt and HMS Powerful players displayed numbers on their backs, in 1911. One year later, numbering in soccer would be ruled as mandatory in New South Wales . On 17 June 1922,
10300-633: Was recorded to be played in Hobart on 10 May 1879, when members of the Cricketer's Club played a scratch match under English Association Rules, which were adopted by the club. The game was a return match to one played on 24 May by the clubs, under a variant of the Victorian rules ; to prevent the disadvantage faced by the Cricketers, the clubs agreed that that Association rules would be adopted in
10403-511: Was replaced. The A-League Men is contested between 12 clubs. The league covers the only competition controlled by the Australian Professional Leagues and the only professional league in Australia. The National Second Division is the upcoming Australian second-tier professional division, and is expected to begin from 2025. The National Premier Leagues has 90 clubs, divided into eight divisions by state. Despite
10506-458: Was state-based. In 1962, the Australia Cup was established, but its ambition of becoming an FA Cup style knockout competition went unfulfilled with its demise in 1968. In 1977, the first national soccer competition, the National Soccer League , was founded. Migrants continued to boost interest in and player for the sport in the 1970s and 1980s, especially from the Middle East and from
10609-547: Was the round's top scorer. However, with China winning all three of its games, the Matildas did not proceed to the final round. Soon after Dutch-born Hesterine de Reus was appointed head coach of the Australians. In June 2013 they won the Centenary Cup against New Zealand in a penalty shoot-out (4–2) after 1–1 draw at full-time. Coach Hesterine de Reus was fired by Football Federation Australia in April 2014, after players complained about her coaching style. Alen Stajcic
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