Matildas Sell Out 12th Straight Home Match for Olympic Qualifiers
In the world of football, the Matildas, Australia’s national women’s football team, have once again captivated the nation with their remarkable performance. The team has sold out their 12th consecutive home match, with more than 50,000 tickets snapped up for their upcoming Olympics qualifier against Uzbekistan in February at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne.
The tickets were sold out within 24 hours of sales opening, marking the Matildas’ highly anticipated return to Melbourne for the first time since their World Cup victory against Canada at AAMI Park in July. The team’s journey in 2023 has been “nothing short of extraordinary,” according to James Johnson, the Chief Executive of Football Australia.
The Matildas’ success has resonated deeply with fans across Australia and beyond, with the team’s matches drawing record-breaking television ratings. This year, the Matildas have sold more than 600,000 tickets, further demonstrating the immense popularity of the sport.
“The return to Marvel Stadium is particularly significant, as the venue was unable to host any World Cup matches due to scheduling conflicts with the Australian Football League (AFL). This means that Melbourne missed out on the marquee matches, with Brisbane and Sydney taking center stage for the quarter-finals and beyond.”
Victorian sport minister, Steve Dimopoulos, expressed his excitement to see a full Marvel Stadium in February, stating that the Matildas’ presence will continue to inspire young players, delight fans, and bring thousands of visitors to the city.
The match against the 47th-ranked Uzbekistan is part of a two-leg play-off to qualify for the Paris Olympics in July. The Matildas, who finished fourth at the Tokyo Olympics, are heavily favored to secure their spot, despite two recent losses to Canada. Australian captain Sam Kerr, who missed the matches against Canada due to a foot injury, has returned to the pitch for Chelsea and scored the opener in their recent Champions League match against Hacken.
As the Matildas continue to captivate the nation, the future of women’s football in Australia looks brighter than ever.
🔗 Source