Bankstown Lions FC junior Mary Fowler was right behind and backing up Captain Sam Kerr as she scored both historic goals to take the match.
Add to that the Matildas’ 4-0 thumping of Sweden in November and their 3-2 victory over Spain in February, and all of a sudden the World Cup hosts have a credible tilt at what is shaping up as the biggest sports event since the 2000 Olympics.
Football is already the fastest growing sport for women globally, which is also the case in Australia and the surge in interest is being felt among local clubs.
Revesby Rovers FC secretary Zenna Azar says their female player numbers are booming.
Starting as a five-year-old in soccer, Zenna’s daughter Jesse, 14, will be one to watch in the future and lists Sam Kerr as her idol.
“I would love to be playing for the Matildas one day, we all would,” she said.
“We can’t wait for the World Cup to start.”
Greenacre Eagles manager Bariah Hammoud agrees: “Our numbers are growing and we expect that to continue.”
Getting an extra dose of inspiration, Revesby Workers Football Club recently hosted former Matilda Teresa Polias.
The former Sydney FC captain advised players to never lose sight of their dreams.
Revesby’s 16/17 Girls team captain Kayla Barton said it was wonderful to meet one of her heroes.
“We can’t wait to see the Matildas live in action in July,” she said.
“We’re all so keen on our football, it’s so friendly and fun; we have new girls joining every year and by the end of the season, they love it too.”
