Sport
Soccer
The Matildas faced certain disaster. Everything changed in 31 chaotic minutes
The Australian women’s football team was 5-2 down and facing an early exit from Paris 2024. Then came four goals – a total of 11 in an absurd and fascinating victory.
Latest
Matildas fitness in focus after ‘train-wreck’ loss to Germany: report
The fitness of the Matildas will reportedly be the focus of a comprehensive review following their thumping loss to Germany at the Paris Olympics.
Updated
Paris 2024
The Matildas wanted a dream start to the Games. It was a 90-minute nightmare
Australia arrived in France with ambitions of a deep run into the Olympic tournament. Against Germany, it was the worst possible start.
- by Emma Kemp
Opinion
Paris 2024
No Kerr, no medal? Think again when it comes to skilled and hungry Matildas
A first-up meeting with Germany will test Australia’s women’s team, but they have proved they’re up to any challenge.
- by Craig Foster
Within a ring of steel, Israelis and Malians share a joyous two hours
The French capital was prepared for a riot when Israeli athletes competed for the first time in Paris. Then a soccer match broke out.
- by Chip Le Grand and Marta Pascual Juanola
‘No-brainer’ that Catley starts in Matildas’ Olympics opener against Germany
Australia’s captain has revealed that the mystery ‘lower leg injury’ that sidelined her for the warm-up loss to Canada 12 days ago was a calf niggle.
- by Emma Kemp
Argentina ‘equaliser’ ruled out by VAR hours after Morocco match suspended
The match ended in utter chaos when the game was suspended for two hours after supporters of Morocco stormed the pitch.
- by Jeremy Wilson
Can the Matildas break through for an Olympic medal? We answer the burning questions
We dive into Australia’s tough group, the players to watch and injury concerns as Tony Gustavsson’s side strives for a medal.
- by Emma Kemp
Canada head coach withdraws, two sent home amid Olympics spy drone scandal
Canadian Olympic chiefs apologised after a member of team staff was detained by French authorities over allegations they used a drone to record New Zealand training on two occasions.
- by Jeremy Wilson
Analysis
FIFA
Money and power: Why Europe’s top leagues have declared war on FIFA
The game’s governing body is the subject of legal action by players and leagues who say the international calendar is at breaking point. Here’s what you need to know.
- by Vince Rugari
For her coach, Mary Fowler is an unsolved riddle. And she may be the Matildas’ most important player
The challenge, as is the case with many ethereal shape-shifters who require freedom to make their magic, will be how to get the best out of the 21-year-old.
- by Emma Kemp and Vince Rugari