I don’t think we have ever seen this in any sports, or will again.
I have been involved in sports for nearly my entire life and I am currently still engaged, although in a different capacity, not as a coach. I have followed various sports, including Formula 1, NBA, NBL, NRL, AFL, swimming, boxing, and many others. One sport that has captured my interest the most is women’s soccer, especially the English league featuring teams like Chelsea, with players such as Sam Kerr. Additionally, there are Australian women who participate in this league.
I don’t think I have ever seen a game or a team that has put a nation at such a high and brings so much happiness to families, boys, and girls of all ages, men and women of all nationalities, all sporting codes, and even the politicians, to something very special and unique in sports or even life in general through the Australian public.
The Australin Matildas…
We have come a long way since our first induction into the world of soccer. In 1979, our humble beginnings marked the start of a journey that has seen our team of talented athletes grow in strength over the years. We defied all odds by reaching the quarter-finals in the 2019 World Cup in France, capturing the hearts of millions and inspiring a nation with our fearless style of play and exceptional teamwork. Not only have we achieved success on the global stage, but we have also played a pivotal role in advancing women’s soccer in Australia.
The Australian Matildas soccer team has not only achieved remarkable success but has also become a symbol of resilience, determination, and inspiration to women’s & mens sports and the impact it has on individuals and society. As the Matildas continue to break barriers and inspire a nation, their influence will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of women’s soccer in Australia and beyond.
An Inspiring 120 Mintues Of Football.
I have watched nail-biting games, races, boxing, etc. and even coached games that have you on the edge of your seat and sweating through the last few minutes of the game. However, I have never seen something so thrilling, exciting, and heart-stopping that it brings tears of enjoyment. I can say that I had tears when we kicked that last penalty and knew we were into the very first semifinal of the World Cup, something that no men’s or women’s team has achieved in such a globally recognized sport.
For both teams to play 95 minutes of such an intense game, and then an extra half hour of time and still no score… Has there ever been such an exciting and intense penalty shootout as the one we witnessed on Saturday night? I was on the edge of my seat, standing up, looking the other way, fist punching the air, hands on face. Oh no, what is happening? 20 penalties later, we broke the barrier of sound with the screams of joy that echoed throughout every capital, city, country town, sporting events, bars, restaurants, radios blaring at their workplaces, even on airplanes. Everyone was watching every kick for goals.
Mackenzie Arnold, with nerves of steel, remained calm and focused, displaying immense determination to stop every shot. It was truly amazing to watch. As a coach and player of Rugby League & AFL, I understand the feeling of being the player who can make a difference in a crucial game or finals. I have coached teams where players have found themselves in such situations, with the siren going or having just gone off, and they are left with the final kick to secure victory.
For every player to step up and take their penalty kick, with the team, coaches, and crowd watching with anticipation on every strike, would be hard enough. The sinking feeling of it missing or being saved is something you can’t explain unless you have experienced it. But the body language and facial expressions tell you the emotions they have just endured.
For Mackenzie, you are the last line of defense that can propel your team forward, or else the campaign for the World Cup will be postponed for another four years. Remember, success does not come without pure hard work. It might take much longer to reach the finals, as we have seen teams such as Japan, America, France, and many more knocked out of the competition.
To watch the team take every shot, and more than anything, Mackenzie on the line was awesome. It was thrilling, exciting, and jubilant to witness their success in any sport, especially at a world level. It inspired and thrilled with many tears of joy and relief, knowing that the Matildas had just created history in world sports. Furthermore, their achievement has inspired a nation of Australians on so many levels of life, from the rich and influential to those struggling. It allowed people to momentarily forget their problems and remember that life can be good. This team’s inspiration has united a nation of all ages, colors, and thoughts in Australia.
Go Matildas! Bring on the Lionesses on Wednesday night. Whatever happens in this game, remember that you have already made Australia the happiest country in the world, and I thank you for that.
#Journey Through Life.
mags64@journeythroughlife.blog
Journey Through Life... 