Matildas’ World Cup run boosts spirits and economy

By Murray Silby

Aug 17, 2023

**On board:** Children at St George’s Rd Primary School, where Matildas forward Cortnee Vine attended, were among Goulburn Valley residents caught up in the World Cup hype. Photo by Megan Fisher

Fintech company Airwallex has estimated the Women’s World Cup has given the Australian economy a $7.6 billion boost, and the Matildas’ rousing run to the semi-finals hasn’t escaped the Goulburn Valley’s attention either.

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If you were enticed out of your warm home to the ‘live site’ at the Shepparton Showgrounds on a normally quiet Wednesday night to watch the Matildas play England, or attended a bar or pub to do the same, then you weren’t alone.

The Deck bar and grill in Maude St has embraced the tournament, and especially the Australian women’s attempt to reach the final, hosting a family night on Wednesday, August 16.

“I just think the whole town was abuzz,” manager Frankie Lagana said.

“We had a lot of local sporting teams come in. A few soccer clubs.

“We had a soccer goal on the deck for the kids.

“It was super exciting. When Sam Kerr scored, the whole place erupted.”

Just across Fryers St at the Aussie Hotel the crowd was in full voice.

“It was a very enthusiastic crowd,” manager Nick Swart said.

“Everyone was in extremely high spirits. It was a great night. Even the staff were getting into it and yelling and screaming.

“Everyone was very excited until the second goal (by England).”

Over in Wyndham St, sports retailer Rebel, which has a commercial partnership with the team, couldn’t restock its shelves with Matildas gear fast enough.

“Sold out of any gear we had,” customer service manager Julia McCarthy said.

“I was down to face paint and a couple of caps. We had to turn a lot of disappointed people away.

“I literally had one jersey randomly come in and it sold within 15 minutes.”

Ms McCarthy said it was unusual for product to walk out the door as quickly as it did during the Matildas campaign, but not unheard of, with a Collingwood grand final appearance a few years prompting similar business.