Tones and I’s performance at the World Cup final splits fans in two, with some describing it as ‘Gianni Infantino’s worst decision’, while others are praising the Australian pop star as proof that ‘dreams can come true’
- Spain defeated England 1-0 in Sydney to win their first World Cup
- Fans were divided on the pre-match performance of Tones and I
- WATCH: ‘It All Begins’ – Episode 1 – The brand new football show from Mail Sport
The pre-match performance of Australian pop star Tones and I during the Women’s World Cup final caused a split among fans on Sunday night.
Tones and I’s latest song ‘The Greatest’ was adopted by the Matildas as their unofficial anthem at the tournament and she was back on the biggest stage of all at Stadium Australia.
The pop star handled a number of hits such as I Am Free, I Made It, Fly Away and her hit single Dance Monkey during a 15-minute performance prior to the match between England and Spain.
However, the performance received mixed reviews from spectators.
“Gianni Infantino, the worst decision you made was to take Tones and me instead of Ice Spice,” the Real ALM tweeted.
Another added: “The only thing worse than the final between Spain and England is…Tones and me.”, while a third begged organizers not to invite the singer to such big events again.
Australian pop star Tones and I’s pre-match performance at the Women’s World Cup final caused a split among fans on Sunday night
The pop star worked her way through a number of hits such as I Am Free, I Made It, Fly Away and her hit single Dance Monkey.
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“How come Tones and I keep getting away with absolutely no real musical ability,” added another.
During her performance, Tones and I paused to reflect on her rise from busking on the streets of Byron Bay to singing to a global audience in four years.
“Four years ago today I was living in my car and playing music in the street and I’m so proud to be here tonight,” she said between songs.
‘Thank you so much.’
And there were plenty who appreciated her performance, especially considering her well-documented struggles early in her career.
‘A young girl from Frankston is the cap of a FIFA World Cup. Dreams can come true. Well done, Tones & I,” one viewer tweeted.
“These little closing ceremony deals are usually terrible, but *Tones and I got it right. *I just found out who this is,’ journalist Ben Strang tweeted.
Sports broadcaster Daniel Garb added: “Tones and I excellent pre-game – her tune I Made It perfectly encapsulates the sentiment here.”
Earlier on Sunday, singer Nikki Webster joined the Matildas on stage at Brisbane’s Riverstage on Sunday for a public celebration following the FIFA World Cup success.
The Matildas bombarded the singer’s triple platinum song “Strawberry Kisses” in their dressing room throughout the tournament.
The team sang along with Webster, with Captain Sam Kerr taking center stage to sing along on the chorus and even sharing the microphone with the Aussie icon.
Ahead of their Round 16 victory against Denmark on 17 August, Matildas goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold said the number was a pre-game favorite for the team.
“Strawberry kisses from Nikki Webster have been a team favorite for the past few weeks,” she said.
‘I don’t know where that comes from. I think it was actually Steph Catley’s favorite song and now we’ve all jumped on the bandwagon.’
In a social media video, Catley revealed that she would listen to the “banger” repeatedly as a child.
“It’s iconic,” she said.
“I had it on CD in my Walkman and it was a single, and I’ve listened to it over and over, so it reminds me of my childhood.
“It’s happiness in a song, and yes, it just gets me going on my day and now in the locker room.”