Matildas fans have been left feeling short-changed over the recent ‘tribute’ from the Queensland government at Suncorp Stadium after the team’s impressive semi-final World Cup run last year.
Veteran midfielder Tameka Yallop was on hand in Brisbane for the unveiling of a bronze mural in the Tillies’ honour on Tuesday, and now the question has to be asked – how many players can you name just by looking at the controversial artwork?
It comes after then Premier of Queensland Annastacia Palaszczuk pledged to build a statue to act as a permanent reminder of the Matildas’ on-field heroics at the venue last August – but that never came to fruition.
Not long after the mural at the southern entrance was revealed, it was lashed by footy fans and pundits alike on social media.
‘I had low expectations for this Matildas mural outside Suncorp Stadium but not even I expected… what this is,’ sports journalist Mark Gottlieb posted on X.
‘The Matildas have finally gotten their statue* at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane after their 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup performance. *Not a statue. Actually just a plaque,’ reporter Luke Cooper tweeted.
‘The Matildas mural looks like something you’d see on a $1 coin,’ a third bluntly said.
A fourth weighed in with: ‘It’s about as insulting as a token gesture can be. Even print out a photo and laminate it would look better.’
The Matildas have been immortalised in a bronze mural outside Suncorp Stadium (pictured) – after they were originally promised a statue would be created in their honour
Despite the scathing criticism in some quarters, Yallop felt being immortalised in bronze is a huge tribute.
‘Women have contributed an incredible amount to sport in Australia, and left a significant mark, as they created moments like we did that united a nation,’ Yallop told News Corp.
‘It’s wonderful to see so many young girls and boys, plus men and women, inspired by the feats of women in sport, and we are humbled to be part of that legacy through the FIFA Women’s World Cup.’
In a statement, the Queensland government emphasised how the permanent tribute celebrates the Matildas’ ‘extraordinary impact on women and girls’ sport’.
‘It’s fitting that now their success will be immortalised where the action happened,’ said Premier Steven Miles.
‘It’s important that we recognise the outstanding achievement of the Matildas for the next generation – inspiring more women and girls to get involved in football.
‘The next time you’re at Suncorp, visit this incredible tribute and feel the enduring pride to be an Australian.’
The mural was based on this famous photo of the Matildas at the moment they beat France on penalties at the World Cup last August
The Matildas’ bronze mural featurest (left to right) Tameka Yallop, Katrina Gorry, Clare Hunt, Alanna Kennedy, Ellie Carpenter, Mary Fowler, Caitlin Foord, Sam Kerr and Steph Catley
Matildas fans felt short-changed following the ‘tribute’ from the Queensland government at Suncorp Stadium (midfielder Tameka Yallop is pictured at the unveiling, right)
Former Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk’s promise to the national team has been broken – and the replacement mural wasn’t well received
Some commenters were vicious on X when it came to highlighting how unimpressive the bronze mural was in their eyes
Many fans used humour to highlight their disappointment with the new addition to Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium
Posts like this one summed up Aussie soccer fans’ reaction to the replacement for the statue Sam Kerr and her teammates were promised
Meanwhile, under interim coach Tom Sermanni, the Matildas have been pencilled in to take on Brazil and Chinese Taipei later this year.
Fixtures will be played in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Melbourne and Geelong between November 28 and December 7.
Yallop is excited to once again work under the highly regarded Sermanni.
‘He’s one of the first coaches that ever instilled the never say die attitude,’ she said.
‘We’ve been able to carry that through, and it’s fitting for him to come back.’
Sermanni is the longest serving coach of the Matildas, having previously been at the helm from 1994-1997 and then between 2005 and 2012.
