This was a unique night,when even the AFL and all of its financial might understood it could not chill the groundswell this World Cup had become.
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Rather than attempt to fight an unwinnable battle,the AFL made the smart move,and embraced the best of both worlds byhaving the Matildas v France clash shown on the MCG scoreboard before the Blues and Demons engaged in battle.
The AFL,in diplomatic mode but also wary of other sports,basked in the moment.
“I think it’s an appropriate thing to do. It feels everyone is behind them,and it’s great to see women’s sport,frankly,front and square,” AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan earlier told 3AW.
“It’s a significant thing to have a women’s team doing so well and capturing everyone’s attention.”
That attention was also directed at television sets around the venue,after hundreds of supporters found their seats as soon as doors opened at 4.30pm.
Melbourne’s fickle weather meant this wasn’t the greatest of nights to be in the outer,particularly when it was still three hours before the opening AFL bounce.
But the anticipation was palpable,and there were groans of frustration when the Matildas almost scored from a corner at the 23rd minute.
When goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold made a diving save at the 27-minute mark,the relief among the growing crowd was obvious. Arnold was again called into action soon after,and the appreciative Melbourne crowd again gave thanks.
A 0-0 first half meant high emotions remained on edge,whether that be for those sitting under cover,those stuck more in the elements,or those having an early pie and sauce. On this night,Matildas scarves were also used to reserve seats.
When superstar Sam Kerr famously emerged from the bench and almost had a direct hand in a stunning goal early in the second half,the sense of excitement all these miles away was as great as it was at Suncorp Stadium. As the Australians peppered the goals,the frustration built for those on and off the pitch.
After a gut-wrenching penalty shootout,the Matildas won 7-6.
When the Blues and Demons made their way onto the field – the opening bounce was delayed by five minutes to accommodate the Matildas,and Seven,the host free-to-air broadcaster of this event,and the AFL – it was clear this was a night that had united Australians,including even the fiercest of rival sporting codes.
It all made for a memorable night for the nation. But when someone asks you down the track,where were you when Cortnee Vine scoredthat penalty for the nation,some will simply say,“Well,I was at the ’G.”
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