FA boss floored by 'legendary' Matildas sacrifices

1 year ago 111

Football Australia CEO James Johnson has lauded the committedness of the Matildas up of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, labelling them "legendary" adjacent earlier they instrumentality to the pitch.

Johnson addressed excited fans astatine Melbourne's Federation Square connected Tuesday, arsenic the Australians hole for their warm-up lucifer against France astatine Marvel Stadium connected Friday.

"This is simply a aureate play for Australian football," helium declared.

"I privation to admit the committedness this squad has made. Most of the players ... person near their homes implicit the past 3 years. They're surviving and playing successful countries similar England, France, Sweden, Spain, the United States.

"This has made the Matildas a stronger team."

Over 1 cardinal tickets person been sold for the tournament, making it the biggest pistillate sporting lawsuit successful history.

Johnson said the increasing involvement successful the tourney and the Matildas is nary surprise, with the broadside facing disconnected against the champion successful the satellite to pb them to this moment.

Steph Catley and Sam Kerr were presented their guernseys connected signifier astatine Federation Square successful Melbourne. (Getty)

"This squad has been done the toughest docket successful the past of the Matildas program," Johnson said.

"When they play France connected Friday night, they volition person played every apical squad successful the satellite successful the past 2 and a fractional years."

Johnson lauded the sacrifices crossed the board, praising the squad for "shaping" shot for the adjacent generation.

"The Matildas are shaping the games' future," Johnson said.

"These sorts of commitments are the hallmarks of legendary teams," Johnson said.

"The Matilda's are a legendary squad adjacent earlier a shot is kicked astatine the World Cup."

The Matildas look disconnected against France connected Friday astatine Marvel Stadium successful a warm-up match, earlier heading to Brisbane to statesman the World Cup connected July 20.

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