Australia look to reignite 'Matildas mania'

Australia will look to reignite the “Matildas mania” that gripped the nation during their 2023 Women’s World Cup run as they begin their bid for a second Women’s Asian Cup title on home soil.

The Sam Kerr-captained Matildas open the 21st Asian Cup on Sunday against the Philippines in Perth, seeking a convincing win to set the tone in the 12-nation tournament.

A strong start in front of a big home crowd would go a long way toward restoring the energy that once made them the country’s most celebrated team.

During the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, co-hosted with New Zealand, Australia surged to the semifinals and captivated the nation.

Sell-out crowds followed them across the country, and they went on to play 16 successive home matches in front of packed stadiums through much of 2024.

That unprecedented support encouraged Australia to bid confidently for the Asian Cup, promising to fill major venues in Perth, Sydney and the Gold Coast.

This time, however, the buildup has been more subdued. Tickets remain available for group matches and the public buzz has been noticeably quieter.

Once dubbed “Australia’s favourite team,” the Matildas have come back down to earth since the World Cup, when ambitions of becoming a genuine global force seemed realistic rather than aspirational.

The downturn coincided with the loss of captain Sam Kerr to an ACL injury. Without their talismanic striker, Australia exited in the group stage of the 2024 Paris Olympics and slipped to a record low world ranking of 16th.

Despite outside criticism, new coach Joe Montemurro reinstated Kerr as captain upon her return last October, signalling stability and renewed belief.

Montemurro has set high expectations. Australia’s only Women’s Asian Cup triumph came in 2010, when they defeated North Korea on penalties in China. Lifting the trophy again at home would represent both redemption and a statement of intent.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) believes the tournament can build on the legacy of 2023.

AFC General Secretary Windsor John has said expectations are that this edition will set a new benchmark for quality, professionalism and global visibility, pointing to Australia’s World Cup infrastructure and operational experience as a strong foundation.

The governing body views the event as a chance to consolidate recent progress and strengthen the Asian Cup’s identity as the continent’s premier women’s national team competition.

On the field, defending champions China are chasing a 10th title, while Japan, winners in 2014 and 2018, aim to reclaim the crown. With World Cup qualification spots for Brazil 2027 also on offer, the stakes are high across the continent.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh will make their historic debut in the competition on March 3 against China.