It's hard to believe it's been 15 years since the Matildas pulled off one of the biggest upsets in Australian football history. The 2010 AFC Women's Asian Cup win in China wasn't just a victory; it was a turning point. For a team largely unknown to the wider public, it catapulted Australian women's football onto the national stage. This wasn't just about the trophy; it was about the impact, the legacy, and the stories of incredible players who dared to dream big.
The Road to Chengdu
The Matildas' journey to that historic win wasn't easy. Remember 2006? The team narrowly missed out on the Asian Cup title, losing to China on penalties. That near miss, coupled with a failure to qualify for the Beijing Olympics in 2007, led to some significant changes. Then-coach Tom Sermanni masterfully blended experienced players like Kate Gill and Melissa Barbieri with rising stars such as Kyah Simon and a young Sam Kerr. This mix proved to be the winning formula.
Sermanni talked about the intense training leading up to the tournament, describing numerous camps and the benefit of having most players based in Australia. He remembered a particularly contentious friendly against North Korea – "they walked off after a disputed penalty!" he chuckled.
Group Stages and a Devastating Injury
The tournament began with a nerve-wracking win over Vietnam. Captain Melissa Barbieri recounted the pressure: "We knew people were watching, it was our chance to make a statement." The team followed that up with a 3-1 victory over Korea Republic, a game that marked Sam Kerr’s international goal-scoring debut, complete with a memorable (if slightly clumsy) backflip celebration. I still laugh thinking about it. But the win against China was bittersweet – a 1-0 loss, overshadowed by a horrific ankle injury to Lisa De Vanna.
Barbieri vividly recalled the devastation: "It was the worst injury we'd seen. But Kate Gill stepped up, rallying the team." And she did.
The Semi-Final Showdown
The semi-final against Japan was a defining moment. Tameka Yallop described the atmosphere: "We were underdogs, but we wanted to prove we belonged." And they did, securing a 1-0 victory – a win that not only secured a spot in the final but also qualified the Matildas for the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup™. Kate Gill's stunning goal is still talked about to this day.
Penalty Shootout Drama
The final against DPR Korea was a nail-biter. A young Sam Kerr scored early, but the North Koreans fought back. Extra time couldn't separate the teams, and it came down to penalties. Sarah Walsh, playing through injury, recalled the pressure: "Penalty shootouts are brutal - but awesome when you win!" Kyah Simon's winning penalty sealed the deal, a moment she described as a pure expression of teenage confidence. The celebrations were wild, including Melissa Barbieri’s legendary "Bubs Dance" to avoid crushing her teammates.
- Key players: Sam Kerr, Melissa Barbieri, Kate Gill, Kyah Simon
- Turning point: The 2010 Asian Cup win dramatically increased the profile of women's football in Australia.
- Legacy: The victory continues to inspire a new generation of Matildas.
A Lasting Legacy
The 2010 Asian Cup win wasn't just about a trophy. It was a watershed moment for women's football in Australia, a testament to the talent, resilience, and unwavering belief of a team that defied expectations. It's a story of overcoming adversity, showcasing the power of teamwork and the magic of a penalty shootout win. With the 2026 Asian Cup on home soil, the Matildas look to recapture that glory, inspired by the legacy of their heroic predecessors.
A new documentary, "History Makers: The Story of the 2010 AFC Women's Asian Cup Winners," is now available on YouTube, offering a captivating look at this incredible tournament. Check it out!
