FIFA president Gianni Infantino was a “happy man” as he saluted the “great success” of the 2023 Women’s World Cup, which has already set document attendances regardless of the match being lower than per week previous.
More than 1.5 million match tickets have been bought, which has already exceeded FIFA’s unique goal for July 20-August 20 match being co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
The whole attendance after the primary 16 matches was 459,547, a 54 per cent enhance from the primary 16 video games of the 2019 Women’s World Cup in France.
“I would really like to express a huge thank you to New Zealand and to Australia for hosting us here,” Infantino stated.
“We often say that football unites the world. New Zealand and Australia are uniting the world Down Under.
“I’m a happy man, and there are hundreds of thousands of happy men, women, girls, and boys who come to the matches and millions and millions watching it from home, so (it’s) a great success.
“Great games, great goals, and some underdogs who create some surprises or give the favourites a tough time … all the ingredients are there already from the start.”
A full home of greater than 50,000 followers is predicted at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on Thursday evening when the Matildas meet Nigeria.
Despite the absence of injured skipper Sam Kerr, Australia can e book a spot within the round-of-16 with a Group B recreation to spare by beating the African nation.
Matildas defender Charlotte Grant stated the squad had “adapted really well” since Kerr suffered a calf harm the day earlier than Australia’s 1-0 win over Ireland final Thursday evening in entrance of greater than 75,000 supporters in Sydney.
“That’s credit to her (Kerr),” Grant stated.
“She’s such a positive person and has a great outlook on things. so she’s just told us focus on the games and not worry about her.
“Even though she’s not on the pitch, she’s still a great leader and still pushing us on to the next match.”
Grant, who was unwell earlier than the sport in opposition to Ireland, will discover it robust to earn a beginning spot in opposition to Nigeria such is the type of fullbacks Steph Catley and Ellie Carpenter.
“I feel back to my normal self,” she stated.
“I knew it was going to be difficult to come in here and have a starting spot with Ellie and Steph.
“I feel lucky to be playing alongside them and learning stuff off them.
“Whatever role I may play, I’m going to be ready for any opportunity I’m given, and I’ll give my best for the team if I’m put on the pitch, but if not, I’ll be giving energy on the sideline.”
Source: www.news.com.au
