Whatever happens tonight, if it is the end of the road or another step towards World Cup glory, one thing is for certain – the journey is only beginning.
Australia has been swept up in a wonderful wave of green and gold. We have rediscovered our joy of sport at its purest, athletes performing at the very highest level on the global stage and bringing a nation along with them for the ride.
And the ongoing battles for equal pay and gender equality make the Matildas more than just a team.
It’s not just Stadium Australia that will be full tonight. Fan sites and bars will be overflowing and loungerooms across the country will be full of excited supporters of all ages getting acquainted with the edge of their seats.
Moments that carry a country like this do not come along often.
Think Cathy Freeman or Ash Barty. Perhaps our Olympic pool exploits from Kieran Perkins and Ian Thorpe to Emma McKeon.
Actually, less a moment, more a movement.
Here at nine.com.au and 9news.com.au we have been overwhelmed by the reader response to our Matildas content.
Today we have changed the nine.com.au branding on our homepage and socials to green and gold.
Fans and players break down after heartbreaking loss
It is something we thought long and hard about.
We don’t change our colours often. In fact ever.
But it felt the right thing to do to mark the achievements of our incredible Matildas.
But what do I know? As ever, our readers say it best.
We have been asking you over the last few days to tell us what the Matildas mean to you.
Thank you for responding in your hundreds.
Your replies have been inspiring. Come on Matildas!
What the Matildas mean to you
‘The Matildas are representing Aussie girls on the world stage. They are our shining stars. Not a team but a nation’ – Ali
‘They are doing it for the love of the sport, facing every opponent without fear, it’s all inspiring’ – Murray
‘They are so empowering and fierce. I am so proud of them representing our country!’ – Emma
‘They are so inspirational and amazing and just show the nature of a true Australian. They are so amazing!’ – Linh
‘They inspire people like me’ – Sarah
‘They rock & they are brave’ – Jasmine
‘The Matildas’ ability to put the whole of Australians on their feet and show that women/girls can make an awesome difference in a man’s world or game. GO Matildas and thank you to your families that got you to where you are today – a HERO for my very very special daughter’ – Luisa
‘They embody greatness – teamwork, mateship, integrity, skill, talent, effort, determination, courage, passion, sincerity, smiles, warmth and love. They are inspiring us all and making everyone in this country feel proud to be Australian. They have lifted the nation and our hearts are now beating as one! Go the Matildas’ – Loretta
‘The Matildas don’t rely on just one player, they work together and support each other along their journey to success’ – Jane
‘They are humble, team oriented and exciting to watch. These women make me so proud’ – Maree
‘The magic they weave in their undeniable talent, but also their trust, grit and fearlessness is so admirable and inspirational’ – Nardine
‘I’m so very proud of each and everyone of you. You have shown not only our country but the rest of the world, what being an Australian looks like’ – Lyn
‘They encapsulate what it means to be an Australian’ – Matt
‘Australian women, showing the world how it’s done’ – Debra
