The Matildas defeated China 2-0 in their second friendly in Australia before the Paris Olympics. But it was all about goalkeeper Lydia Williams and a special presentation from Evonne Goolagong Cawley.
When Football Australia representatives reached out to the legend that is Evonne Goolagong Cawley, they just hoped she might agree to be involved in a surprise presentation to honour Lydia Williams. As it turns out, Evonne is a massive Matildas fan.
It started in the warm-up, when her teammates ran out at Accor Stadium wearing ‘Thank you Lyds’ shirts, and continued as the teams lined up for the Welcome to Country and national anthems, when Goolagong Cawley appeared out of nowhere and wrapped a Booka around Williams’s shoulders. “To receive that from such an icon - a legend of tennis - is just absolutely, really humbling. An Indigenous woman that’s represented the country and her culture and done so much.”Behind them was the Cathy Freeman stand. It was, as Williams had observed the day before, “a closing of the circle”. The starting XI left their spot in the line to stand with her as a tribute video played, and then she took her place in the Matildas’ goal for the 104th time.
As it turned out, the players had already been told whether they were in or out before they’d even made it to the stadium, which made the unofficial elements more significant still. Gustavsson subbed Williams off just before half-time, to round applause from all quarters and hugs from teammates. She saved the biggest for Mackenzie Arnold - her literal and figurative replacement, on the touchline tonight and as Australia’s first-choice goalkeeper into the future.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
One legend to another: Surprise appearance by tennis great to honour Matildas’ Lydia WilliamsThe Matildas defeated China 2-0 in their second friendly in Australia before the Paris Olympics. But it was all about goalkeeper Lydia Williams and a special presentation from Evonne Goolagong Cawley.
Read more »
One legend to another: Surprise appearance by tennis great to honour Matildas’ Lydia WilliamsThe Matildas defeated China 2-0 in their second friendly in Australia before the Paris Olympics. But it was all about goalkeeper Lydia Williams and a special presentation from Evonne Goolagong Cawley.
Read more »
Matildas veteran Lydia Williams to retire from international football after Paris OlympicsLydia Williams’ last games in green and gold for the Matildas will come at the Paris Olympics after the goalkeeper announced her international retirement
Read more »
Matildas goalkeeper Lydia Williams to retire from international football after Paris OlympicsMatildas goalkeeper Lydia Williams has announced she will retire from international football after the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Read more »
Matildas stalwart Lydia Williams announces she will retire after Paris Olympics7NEWS brings you the latest local news from Australia and around the world. Stay up to date with all of the breaking sport, politics, entertainment, finance, weather and business headlines. Today's news, live updates & all the latest breaking stories from 7NEWS.
Read more »
‘I’ve sacrificed everything’: Lydia Williams to retire from MatildasAfter two decades, 103 caps, five World Cups and six Asian Cups, the 35-year-old goalkeeper will bid farewell to the national team - after her third Olympics this year in Paris.
Read more »