It has been six months for the reason that finish of the Matildas’ gorgeous World Cup marketing campaign however lastly one of many nice wrongs has been righted.
While a lot of the headlines have been targeted on Sam Kerr’s calf to begin the event, the temper shifted as soon as the play bought underway with goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold enjoying out of her pores and skin.
Stream Over 50 Sports Live & On-Demand with Kayo. New to Kayo? Start Your Free Trial Today >
Dubbed the “Minister of Defence”, Arnold was one of many breakout stars because the Matildas’ fourth-place end captivated Australia.
Arnold was so good — notably saving the day within the shootout epic in opposition to France — that Deputy Prime Minister and defence minister Richard Marles even jokingly gave up his portfolio for the night time because the Matildas confronted England within the World Cup semi-final.
But whereas Australia was blown away by the Matildas’ performances and any workforce merchandise flew off the cabinets, there appeared one massive oversight — there have been no goalkeeper jerseys on sale.
It noticed pleas for jersey producer Nike to provide the followers what they needed, notably after the 10-round shootout in opposition to France.
While Nike sells the goalkeeper shirt for worldwide males’s groups like Barcelona and Chelsea, merchandise for the Matildas was restricted to the workforce’s yellow and gold house stadium shirts and teal colourway for away video games.
Until now.
Nike revealed in November that Mackenzie Arnold jerseys could be offered within the lead as much as the Paris Olympics, assuming the Matildas made it, teasing a July launch
However, it seems the corporate has made good on their deal, bringing the discharge ahead as a result of demand from followers.
While there can undoubtedly be some questions as to why it took six months from the Matildas’ World Cup marketing campaign, which ended again in August 2023, to provide the road, no less than there are lastly some choices for younger goalkeepers dreaming of following in Arnold’s footsteps.
The jerseys might be produced in purple, replicating the jersey worn by Arnold through the Canada and Denmark video games on the World Cup in addition to throughout Olympic qualifying.
She additionally wore black and a coral pink jerseys through the World Cup.
Speaking forward of the jersey launch on Tuesday February 27 from Football Australia’s web site at noon and in retail shops the next day, Arnold stated it she had felt the love from Aussie supporters.
“The support we as goalkeepers have felt from our fans over the last year has been absolutely incredible,” Arnold stated.
“It means so much to me that we’ll head into another huge year for our team, and our sport, knowing that our families, friends and fans will be backing us all the way, and wearing our jerseys with pride.
“When I was a young athlete, the idea that I could make a living as a goalkeeper never really crossed my mind. It’s a testament to how far our game has come that the next generation of keepers will now see fans wearing our jerseys in the stands.”
As the black jersey was the one she wore in opposition to France within the iconic shootout and England within the semi-final, some followers have been fast to ask if these could be subsequent.
One fan requested: “Will you guys eventually release the black GK jersey?”
“Waiting for the iconic black!” one other commented.
A 3rd stated: “What about the black one because I want my black GK jersey.”
Despite the discharge, the Matildas have nonetheless not wrapped up their Olympic qualification however took an enormous leap towards it in Tashkent final week after claiming a 3-0 win over Uzbekistan.
The Matildas full qualifying at Marvel Stadium on Wednesday with the return fixture.
Originally printed as Mackenzie Arnold jersey on sale six months after World Cup outcry
Source: www.dailytelegraph.com.au
