Lydia Williams deserved every second of her emotional final act as a Matildas World Cup player.
There were emotional scenes and tears all across Suncorp Stadium as the Matildas’ game-changing campaign came to an end — and one moment Williams had to herself may be the most crushing of the lot.
Williams, Australia’s veteran goalkeeper, became the first Australian player to feature at five World Cups when selected in the Matildas’ squad for the tournament. Now it’s all over.
It seemed to all sink in for Williams after Australia’s third-place play-off loss to Sweden on Saturday night.
Spectators inside the Brisbane stadium spotted Williams out on the field by herself sitting down in goals for one final time — well after the final whistle had been blown.
Channel 7 reports it was Williams’ apprentice Mackenzie Arnold who was the first player to walk over to Williams to console her.
Williams was one of countless members of the Matildas squad overcome with emotion after the defeat.
While Sweden celebrated with their bronze medals, the Matildas paid respect to the supporters left in the stadium.
“The Matildas are getting one hell of an ovation as they go on a little bit of a lap of honour around Brisbane Stadium,” Adam Peacock said on Channel 7.
“Many of the players in tears, the fans in raptures.”
Arnold was one of those players in tears, having become a national hero during Australia’s epic quarter-final win over France.
Williams’ position is in good hands heading into the 2027 World Cup.
Although the Matildas owe the fans nothing more than they have given throughout their historic World Cup campaign, several of the Matildas took off their boots and gave them to fans, with defender Aivi Luik also giving up the socks off her feet.
“Aivi Luik is just one of the most beautiful human beings, so that does not surprise me,” Emily Gielnik said.
Peacock added the post game scenes “don’t feel like someone’s lost a game of football”.
Australian captain Sam Kerr also said while it was hard to comprehend in the throes of the heartbreaking defeat, upon reflection the Matildas would realise what they had achieved.
“It’s been a dream come true,” the skipper said.
“The way the fans have got behind us, the way the girls have carried themselves – we’ve proven to the world but also within Australia that we are a footballing nation.
“That’s all down to the fans. We couldn’t get it done, but hopefully we’ve inspired people for many years to come.”