I'm not normally one for gushing, but on the eve of the kick off of the Westfield Matildas' 2011 Women's World Cup campaign, even I'm allowed to get a little emotional.
I've been privileged enough to be a part of the Westfield Matildas' Women's World Cup journey as part of my work with Girls FC (www.facebook.com/girlsfc). The team and their support crew have allowed me insight into their training and the behind-the-scenes efforts that bring us the polished, professional on-field performance that has made them Australia's most successful football team.
I asked Westfield Matildas captain Melissa Barbieri what the team needed from fans most in the coming days. You're focused on your job, I said. What can we do to help?
Her answer surprised me.
'Just keep reminding us how good we are,' she said. 'People think that if you give too many compliments, you tend to get cocky. But the girls here are more inclined to be overawed by the situation. Not because of their age, but because, you know, we're humble Australians. We don't go out there cocky.
'The Brazilians are samba-ing in the hotel corridors,' she explained. 'They'll be dancing and singing in the tunnel before we go out. And that's just their culture. Whereas we're humble Australians. The more we're reminded that people love us, the better.'
Because here's the thing: the Westfield Matildas are good. Very good. They're the Asian Champions and are sitting at an all-time, equal-high ranking of 11th in the world. They've performed solidly in friendlies against New Zealand, England, and Mexico in recent days, and even against reigning champions Germany some months back.
They've got a solid, results-don't-lie track record against Brazil, not least having scared the pants off them in that 2007 Women's World Cup quarterfinal when Lauren Colthorpe—who is, incidentally, in the team and in fine fighting form again this World Cup—levelled the scores 2-2 with an impressive, history-making header.
That the Brazilians eventually prevailed 3-2 is of little consequence. They won't remember the score. They'll remember how hard the Westfield Matildas fought right until the end. They'll remember that a few more minutes could have seen the Westfield Matildas equalise again and even pull ahead. Samba or no samba, that's what they'll be taking with them into the tunnel. We're worried about Brazil, but I think it's Brazil who should be worried about talented, dark-horse, never-say-die us.
I reckon the Westfield Matildas have what it takes to take Brazil, and I suspect the bandwagoners will be climbing aboard after they see the strength, talent, and heroic determination with which they play tonight. But that's entirely ok. As Barbieri joked to me: 'The bandwagon is huge. We can fit as many people as we want on it.'
Me? I'm pleased how many people are getting behind the team. If you aren't already, now would be a very good time to get on board with the Westfield Matildas. And it would be a very good time to let them know that you wish them well.
Fiona Crawford is the Girls FC online/content editor (www.facebook.com/girlsfc and @FFAGirlsFC and @TheMatildas)
