Australia's Matildas Waltz Into the Women's World Cup Knockout Round

Lisa De Vanna's goal

Lisa De Vanna's goal
TV Screenshot – SBS televison

#GoMatildas topped Twitter trends in Australia as a 1-1 draw with Sweden propelled the national women’s football team into the round of 16 in the World Cup in Canada. This followed a strong 2-0 victory over Nigeria and an encouraging 1-3 loss to the USA, who are the tournament favorites.

There was plenty of praise and high hopes online:

Not all Matildas supporters were completely happy with the result:

It was a very satisfying day for Aussie soccer. The men’s side @Socceroos defeated Kyrgyzstan 2-1 in a World Cup qualifying match:

The Paralympic Team @Pararoos also won 2-0 against Portugal in their quest to reach the Rio Paralympics.

Sarah K Wright managed a handful of emojis in her victory tweet for the Matildas:

Given that Lisa De Vanna’s goal came in the first five minutes and Sofia Jakobsson provided the equaliser for Sweden in the 15th minute, Justin Civitillo’s had a long wait:

Matilda’s coach Alen Stajcic let the players take the limelight:

Australia’s next challenge is a big one – Brazil. Football website Outside90 offered some reassurance:

The Matildas have grown in confidence with every passing game and their maturity and patience in defence, their doggedness in midfield and the clinical and ferocious nature of their attack makes them a real contender to progress through the knockout stages of this tournament.

The headline alludes to ‘Waltzing Matilda‘ which is Australia's unofficial national anthem.

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