The only two people who managed to get hold of Earps goalkeeper jerseys were her own parents external-link - proudly wearing the old match shirts in loyal support. While the Football Ferns exited at the group stages, the Matildas’ run to the last four fuelled bumper viewership in Australia, peaking at 11.15 million viewers for the semi-final defeat to England. The game drew an average audience of 7.2 million for FTA broadcaster Seven, which saw 18.6 million Australians watch its coverage of the tournament. In addition to being the most-watched TV programme in more than two decades, the semi-final was the most-streamed event ever in Australia with 957,000 viewers on the 7Plus streaming service.

Either way, the early signs suggest the tournament is going to inspire longer-term interest in women’s soccer. One study already conducted by market research firm Ipsos, which surveyed 1,000 British adults, found that almost half of respondents said this year’s Women’s World Cup had made them more interested in watching UK women’s soccer in the future. La Roja captain Olga Carmona’s winning goal was the crowning moment on an epic few weeks in Australia and New Zealand, which saw the world’s best players deliver a compelling tournament defined by major upsets, nail-biting games and huge public interest.Colombia, ranked 21 places lower than England, had already proven their worth in Australia, seeing off Euro 2022 finalists Germany in the group stages and progressing in style.

In the end, fans took matters in to their own hands, getting the fabric pens out and fashioning their own versions. Other highlights included a sell-out crowd of 75,784 turning out for the final at Stadium Australia, which was also at capacity for the Matildas’ opening game against Ireland, their round of 16 match against Denmark and their semi-final defeat to the Lionesses, as well as England’s quarter-final with Colombia. Asked how it felt, Fischer said: “We had a very safe environment in the team. So it was probably the best environment to do it in. But it’s an extremely strange situation and overall not a comfortable way to do it.”

Multibuys

So when the full-time whistle went in Sydney, several players fell to the floor in exhaustion and Sarina Wiegman gave a rousing team-talk afterwards - they had been in a gruelling battle.