The emotional story behind Ellie Carpenter’s heartwarming hug as Matildas stars reap praise for comforting Danish players after being knocked out of World Cup
- Australia beat Denmark 2-0
- Have been praised for sportsmanship
- One player paid back the support shown to her
The Matildas have been praised for their sportsmanship following their victory over Denmark, with one player in particular repaying the support shown to her in her darkest hour.
As Australian football supporters celebrated late into the night, it was a crushing loss to Denmark, who had waited 16 long years to return to the World Cup finals, only to be knocked out with the quarter-finals within reach.
One of the players feeling all the emotional pain was Real Madrid striker Signe Bruun – which is why Australian defender Ellie Carpenter came over to her as the full-time whistle blew.
Bruun and Carpenter were both playing for Olympique Lyonnais in the French first division when disaster struck the Matildas star.
The image that encapsulates the sportsmanship displayed by the Matildas all tournament as Ellie Carpenter comforts her good friend Signe Bruun
Carpenter was carried off the pitch after suffering an ACL tear last year while playing for Lyon in the Champions League final
Lyon teammate Damaris Egurrola carried Carpenter across the ground so she could celebrate their victory
She was cut down with an ACL tear in the 2022 Champions League final, putting her immediate playing future in doubt.
Bruun was one of the Lyon players who offered the most support to the stricken Matilda, including a social media post with images of Carpenter and the caption, “This one is coming back stronger than ever, so proud of you.”
Carpenter quickly repaid that support by hugging and comforting her former teammate before they switched jerseys and had a long chat in Stadium Australia’s players’ race.
Carpenter and Bruun exchange jerseys after the game so they both have a memento to take to the World Cup game
The two good friends played together in Lyon for two years and developed a relationship that will last a lifetime
Fans of Matilda were quick to praise Carpenter for putting aside her own parties to be there for Bruun.
“So sweet Ellie to take care of your girlfriend,” one of them wrote.
“Ellie is definitely a class act,” said another Matildas fan.
“How a true athlete loves and respects you, Ellie,” added another.
Carpenter wasn’t the only Matilda to show grace and sportsmanship in victory, with several players comforting the Danish players whose 2023 World Cup dreams had vanished.
Hayley Raso, who scored the decisive second goal in the match, rushed to the Denmark players as soon as the full-time whistle blew.
Stand-in captain Steph Catley and a host of other players exchanged jerseys with the opposing teams.
Australia’s Steph Catley and Denmark’s Kathrine Kuhl talk after changing shirts in the tunnel after the Matildas’ victory in Sydney
Australia’s Sam Kerr and Steph Catley and Denmark’s Pernille Harder enjoy a catch-up and post-game chat
It warmed the hearts of Matildas supporters, with one of them pointing out that they had been just as friendly with their opposition throughout the tournament.
“It hasn’t just been in this game, it seems every game that this team seems to win gracefully. Great group of young ladies,” they posted.
“Matildas, if we could give you one thing in life, we would give you the opportunity to see yourself through our eyes. Only then would you realize how special you are to us,” replied another.
“They are such lovely caring ladies. Great Australians lead by example,” added another.
The Matildas will play their quarter-final of the Women’s World Cup against France or Morocco at Brisbane Stadium on Saturday at 5 p.m.