Critics have suggested the prince,who is the president of England’s Football Association,would almost certainly have travelled had England’s men reached a final.
Despite the excitement provided by others earlier in the tournament,the axis of women’s football has been tilting inexorably towards western Europe for some time.
Spain’s World Cup squad is built around a core from European champions Barcelona and they are now one step away from the ultimate prize in Sunday’s final against England.
Matildas mania was punctured with a bang on Wednesday night after the World Cup loss to England. So how do we cope?
Saturday’s loss to Sweden brought back painful memories from the Tokyo Olympics,when the Matildas lost their bronze medal match to the United States.
Tony Gustavsson is contracted through to the Paris Olympics,but hinted his future as Matildas boss could hinge on how much investment Football Australia ploughs into women’s football.
Sweden beat Australia 2-0 in Brisbane after a mammoth World Cup campaign for the Matildas which resulted in the country’s best finish at the tournament.
Australia coach Tony Gustavsson started the same 11 who looked out on their feet against England,and it showed in Brisbane. No other team has asked so much of so few.
Reality has bent backwards in this time warp of a tournament. Soon,Australia’s dreamy campaign may feel a figment of the public’s imagination.
Should Kyra Cooney-Cross and fellow Matildas secure deals at foreign clubs,the experience – and their youth – will augur well for the Australian team’s future.
Football Australia and the Australian Professional Leagues have welcomed the government’s $200 million facilities pledge but say more will be needed to underpin the game’s future.