Australia’s historic Women’s World Cup run has finally come to an end as they lost 2-0 to Sweden in the bronze medal game – but there have been some outstanding performances along the way.
Skipper Sam Kerr and her team now finish their home tournament as the fourth best side in the world – easily the best result for any Aussie football team, men’s or women’s, in the World Cup.
Tony Gustavsson’s side stopped the country and defied all odds as they sold out stadiums and established TV ratings.
Here’s how Daily Mail Australia rated every star who took the field for Australia…
MACKENZIE ARNOLD: 8
‘Macca’ made headlines after her incredible performance in the quarter-finals against France, where she saved three penalties in the longest ever World Cup shootout.
Arnold was huge for the side in every other game too, and her four clean sheets for the 3-1 defeat to England in the semi-finals were clear evidence of that fact.
The 29-year-old West Ham goalkeeper was a mainstay for the side defensively and her exploits will be long remembered.
Arnold was brilliant for Australia throughout the tournament
ELLIE TIMMER: 5.5
Carpenter had a solid World Cup, with many of her signature bursts down the wing.
She had a poor night against England in the semi-final but recovered to perform well against Sweden on Saturday night.
The talented 23-year-old defender played many minutes during the tournament after coming back from a career-threatening injury in 2021.
CLARE HUNT: 7
Hunt only made her debut for Australia in February, but six months later she turned in a world-class performance in the history-making tournament.
Hunt remained calm under pressure in every game and made numerous last-ditch tackles to deflect attacks on goal.
The Western Sydney Wanderers defender is sure to receive many job offers from around the world after her campaign.
CLARE POLKINGHORNE: 5
Polkinghorne, Australia’s all-time highest cap player, has just made history by taking part in her fifth World Cup.
‘Polks’ was calm under pressure in the back as she came onto the field and put in a good performance.
STAPH CATLEY: 6.5
Vice-captain Catley has enjoyed a hugely successful campaign with the Matildas and her heroic penalty kick against Ireland will be forever remembered by Aussie footy fans.
Catley was again typically defensively healthy and was constantly threatened with her left foot deliveries throughout the tournament.
HAYLEY RASO: 7
Real Madrid’s Hayley Raso stepped in when the Matildas needed her most to score twice against Canada when the chips ran out.
She was relentless on offense and gave nothing less than 110 percent every time she entered the park.
Australia’s top goalscorer in the tournament has had some frustrating nights in the last few games as she has been forced to do a lot of defensive work.
Hayley Raso was relentless on offense for the Matildas throughout the campaign
KATRINA GORRY: 7
‘Mini’ had her 100th appearance for the Matildas in the semi-final against England, indicating her long-standing importance in the side.
Gorry was everywhere for the Matildas and her composure on the ball proved crucial time and time again with excellent passing.
The diminutive midfielder was the definition of perseverance and seemed to cover every blade of grass in recent weeks.
KYRA COONEY CROSS: 7.5
Former England striker Ian Wright tweeted ‘Cooney-Cross bro’ during the game against Ireland for a very good reason.
The plucky 21-year-old midfielder barely put a foot wrong throughout the campaign, dictating the pace of play and pulling the strings with her razor-sharp passes.
The youngster was empty during the match against Sweden but will no doubt have earned many admirers abroad.
CAITLIN FRONT: 7.5
The Arsenal striker had to take on a much bigger burden following the withdrawal of Sam Kerr for the first game, but gave the defense a huge headache with her pace and aggression.
Her combination play with Catley was exceptional and she was most dangerous with a little space.
She scored a memorable goal against Denmark after a brilliant through ball from Mary Fowler.
SAM KERR: 7
Kerr, arguably the most popular person in Australia right now, stunned everyone with one of the tournament’s goals after returning from injury against England.
The superstar striker always looked dangerous when she had the ball and proved in this tournament that she is undoubtedly one of the best players in the world.
Kerr stunned with one of the goals of the tournament against England
MARIA FOWLER: 6.5
The youngest player in the squad may one day turn out to be the greatest, after a brilliant World Cup with many memorable moments.
Fowler’s control of the ball is unparalleled inside the side and her runs through the middle of the park gave defenders a headache.
Mary Fowler’s touch on the ball and ability to slide past defenders was a joy to watch
ALANA KENNEDY: 6.5
The towering centre-back won plenty of possession throughout the tournament and stopped numerous attacks.
She unfortunately missed the last few games after suffering delayed concussion symptoms as a result of the game against France.
EMILY VAN EGMOND: 6
Provided an attacking spark as she got on the field with some nice touches on the ball.
The Matildas veteran was probably the park’s best player in the early tournament defeat to Nigeria.
CORTNEE VINE: 6.5
The red-haired speedster looked thrilled as she took to the pitch and wrote her name in Australian football folklore with her winning penalty kick against France.
ALEXANDRA CHIDIAC: 5
The former Melbourne City star did little wrong when she took to the field.
COURTNEY NEVIN: 5
The Leicester City star looked solid in the few minutes we saw of her during the tournament.