<\/p>\n
On the back of their greatest-ever World Cup result, the Matildas have urged for a funding increase in women\u2019s football to develop the game and ensure Australia can compete for major titles in the future.<\/p>\n
The Matildas captured the hearts of a nation with their gritty performances against some of the world\u2019s best teams.<\/p>\n
Ellie Carpenter declared after the match: \u201cWhen we started this tournament, we wanted to inspire the nation. I think we\u2019ve done that and we\u2019ve captured more Matildas than ever.\u201d<\/p>\n
Katrina Gorry said: \u201cI now truly believe we are a footballing country. I think every nation that\u2019s been here, not just us, has felt it. I think everyone\u2019s seen it. I think football in Australia is going to change forever now and I think that\u2019s so special to be a part of.\u201d<\/p>\n
But relative to the numbers of participants in the country, football (the nation\u2019s most-played team sport) receives significantly lower government funding than other sports. <\/p>\n
And as other nations increase their investment into football \u2013 and women\u2019s football in particular \u2013 Australia risks falling behind. <\/p>\n
FIBA Basketball World Cup | Starts Aug 25. Watch every Boomers, Team USA and Finals game FREE & LIVE on ESPN with Kayo Freebies Join Kayo now and start streaming instantly ><\/a><\/b><\/p>\n Dream OVER as Tillies tumble out | 00:32<\/p>\n LAST WALTZ: Matildas\u2019 Cup dream ends as Poms through after all-time Kerr stunner<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n PLAYER RATINGS: Kerr left to rue golden chances; Aussie star made to pay for costly error<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n Captain Sam Kerr said: \u201cHopefully we\u2019ve got a few more fans that will stick around, but now it\u2019s time for funding and all of that stuff to be invested in the game because this is the world game for a reason.\u201d<\/p>\n Asked what the Matildas need to go all the way in a World Cup, she replied: \u201cIt\u2019s hard obviously right now, but we are there, we\u2019re right there. It\u2019s a long-ended question, I think there\u2019s so much. I can only speak for the Matildas. We need funding in our development, we need funding in our grassroots, we need funding everywhere.<\/p>\n \u201cThe comparison to other sports isn\u2019t really good enough. Hopefully this tournament kind of changes that because that\u2019s the legacy you leave. Not what you do on the pitch. The legacy is what you do off the pitch. It\u2019s hard to talk about right now, but hopefully this is the start of something new.\u201d<\/p>\n Leaving a legacy has been a core aspect of the team\u2019s mission at this World Cup \u2013 hoping to inspire the next generation but also to provide them with greater opportunities to play the game.<\/p>\n \u2018LUDICROUS\u2019: England\u2019s \u2018dirty\u2019 tactics blasted as ref \u2018leaves cards in the change rooms\u2019<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n