On Sunday, ahead of Australia’s round of 16 encounter with Denmark in Sydney, Caitlin Foord issued a challenge to Matildas fans. “We love a big crowd, we love a loud crowd,” said Foord, who grew up just an hour away, on Australia’s south-east coast. “I still think Sydney can be louder.”
When Foord scored midway through the first-half on Monday evening, the first of two goals from the Matildas that saw them past Denmark and into the World Cup quarter-finals, she wheeled away towards the corner flag. The Arsenal attacker looked up at the green and gold-clad fans, as they had begun a goal-induced moment of collective ecstasy. Foord raised a hand to her ear, as if to say “louder still”. The crowd erupted and the winger duly leapt into the air in gratitude. It was loud alright.
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