Growing up, Clare Hunt idolised France’s captain. Now she has to stop her
The Les Bleues skipper Wendie Renard has been a cornerstone of one of the most dominant club teams football has ever seen – Olympique Lyonnais.
- by Vince Rugari
Latest
French absurdism: How much meaning can Matildas draw from friendly win?
A week before the World Cup began, France lost 1-0 to the Matildas in a warm-up match and, depending on who you ask, it means either everything or nothing for Saturday’s quarter-final.
- by Vince Rugari
‘It’s scary’: Fit and fresh Kerr can take Matildas to next level, say teammates
We’ve seen how good Australia can be without their star striker ... so how good can they be with her? Caitlin Foord says it’s a frightening thought for opposition teams.
- by Vince Rugari
Analysis
FIFA Women's World Cup
The two words that prove the Matildas can go all the way at World Cup
We knew the Matildas prefer to play with their backs against the wall. What we didn’t know was if they could beat a team they should beat, and in the manner that good teams do? Their performance against Denmark answered that.
- by Vince Rugari
‘I got very nervous’: Slip aside, Kerr’s comeback was a risk worth taking
For a few scary moments on Monday night, the decision to send on the Matildas skipper looked like it had backfired – and coach Tony Gustavsson was worried.
- by Vince Rugari
Matildas 2 Denmark 0
FIFA Women's World Cup
Kerr returns as two beautiful goals propel magic Matildas into quarter-finals
Caitlin Foord and Hayley Raso scored magnificent goals as Australia brushed past Denmark 2-0 to set up a quarter-final clash with either France or Morocco on Saturday night. Oh, yeah – Sam Kerr’s back, too.
- by Vince Rugari
Where did all these fans come from? Inside the World Cup’s multicultural strategy
The crowds for matches not involving co-hosts Australia and New Zealand have been stunningly high - but it hasn’t happened by accident.
- by Vince Rugari
Analysis
FIFA Women's World Cup
Five burning questions as the World Cup knockout round awaits the Matildas
The small matter of Sam Kerr (again), the potential for a penalty shootout and which Denmark star Australia will need to keep their eyes on.
- by Vince Rugari and Emma Kemp
Helicopter view: Gustavsson fears tactical leak as Matildas’ interest goes sky-high
A helicopter buzzed over Australia’s final training session before their round of 16 clash. It was both the ultimate compliment and an unwanted distraction for coach Tony Gustavsson.
- by Vince Rugari
Exclusive
FIFA Women's World Cup
‘They have all the pieces’: US Cup-winning coach says Matildas can lift trophy
Two-time World Cup-winning coach Jill Ellis believes the Matildas have what it takes to go all the way under her former assistant Tony Gustavsson, who she nominated for the job after being approached herself by Football Australia.
- by Vince Rugari
It’s World Cup knockout time: here’s five players to watch (who aren’t Sam Kerr or another Matilda)
There are some outstanding athletes who are worth keeping an eye on.
- by Vince Rugari