Matildas bronze plaque, instead of statue, unveiled outside Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium after World Cup run | 7NEWS
A bronze bas-relief commemorating the Matildas' historic run to the semi-finals in the Women's World Cup has been unveiled at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium. Measuring 5.5m by 2.1m, the plaque captures the team's celebration after their dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over France. While the proposal for a statue did not materialize, the artwork symbolizes the Matildas' impact on women's football in Australia, reflected in a significant rise in female player participation. Additionally, two upcoming matches against Brazil at Suncorp Stadium are set for November 28 and December 1 at the Gold Coast's Cbus Super Stadium.
The success of the Matildas during last year's Women's World Cup has been commemorated at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium. A bronze bas-relief highlighting their journey to the semi-finals was unveiled on Tuesday, replacing the initial proposal for a statue of the team.
Details of the Bronze Bas-Relief Unveiling
The newly unveiled bronze bas-relief measures 5.5 meters in length and 2.1 meters in width. Crafted by Urban Art Projects, it is prominently displayed at the southern entrance of Suncorp Stadium. The artwork captures the unforgettable moment when the Matildas triumphed in a thrilling penalty shootout against France, securing their place in the semi-finals. This visual tribute celebrates not only a significant victory but also the team's remarkable performance throughout the tournament.
Prominent Figures in Queensland Sports Represented
In addition to the Matildas, Suncorp Stadium features statues of rugby league legends such as Wally Lewis, Arthur Beetson, Darren Lockyer, Allan Langer, and Mal Meninga, along with rugby union icon John Eales. This emphasizes the strong connection between sports and culture in Queensland, showcasing the region's sports history and achievements. The proposal for a Matildas statue emerged from former premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, reflecting the growing recognition of women in sports.
Impact of the Women's World Cup on Female Participation in Sports
Queensland Sports Minister Michael Healy acknowledged the significant impact the Matildas have had on inspiring women and girls to participate in football. He noted that there has been a record increase of 44 percent in female player registrations statewide since the World Cup. This surge in interest highlights the transformative influence of the tournament on grassroots football and the importance of the Matildas as role models for young athletes.
Upcoming Matches and Broadcast Success
Further enhancing the legacy of the Matildas, the state government announced that two matches against Brazil will be held at Suncorp Stadium on November 28 and at the Gold Coast's Cbus Super Stadium on December 1. The Women's World Cup, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, was celebrated as a groundbreaking event, drawing in an impressive viewership. According to Seven, nearly 18.6 million Australians tuned in during the tournament, demonstrating the significant public interest in women's sports and the Matildas' journey.
