Matildas star Sam Kerr speaks out after 3-1 loss to England

Australia’s hopes for a FIFA Women’s World Cup win have been dashed following a heartbreaking 3-1 defeat to England in the semi-finals at Stadium Australia in Sydney.

While the Matildas won’t be playing in Sunday’s final, the team will go on to face Sweden in Brisbane on Saturday for a chance at securing third place.

Despite falling short against England’s Lionesses, the Matildas’ success throughout the competition has been a monumental win for football fans across the country.

Viewership in the semi-finals soared to astronomical heights, making it the most-watched TV event of the year and the most-watched sporting event in Australia in 18 years – figures which vastly outnumber those recorded by AFL and NRL Grand Finals, which have typically been considered Australia’s prestige sporting events.

Sam Kerr, who scored a pivotal goal against England in the semifinal, said that more funding is needed for women’s football in Australia if the nation wishes to keep the momentum going.

“I can only speak for the Matildas, you know, we need funding in our development, we need funding in our grassroots,” said Kerr.

“We need funding, you know, we need funding everywhere.”

Journalist Patricia Karvelas commented on the way in which the Women’s World Cup had shattered misconceptions about national interest in women’s sport.

“Remember when they used to say no one wanted to watch women play sport?” said Karvelas.

“Apparently, everyone wants to watch women play sport at the elite level.”

Sam Kerr also commented on the overwhelming support that has followed the team into the semi-finals.

“That’s kind of the only thing that’s keeping me smiling right now is the way that we’ve kind of inspired the nation. Everyone’s got behind us. The tournament’s been amazing. Every single team and player and person that’s visited has said how beautiful our country is.”

“So, I think for us, it’s been hopefully life-changing for women’s football in Australia.”