Matildas fans slam team for wearing their away kit in must-win Women's World Cup game against Canada - here's why they couldn't run on in the green and gold
- Australia donned controversial away kit
- Matildas beat Canada, secure knockout spot
- Simple reason why they weren't in gold
Aussie fans have rubbished the controversial away jersey the Matildas wore in their stunning 4-0 win over Canada - but there is a simple explanation as to why they weren't in green and gold.
The Matildas had to beat Canada in Melbourne on Monday night to secure a spot in the knockout stages at their home World Cup.
And they shook off the burden of the entire nation's expectations thanks to goals from Hayley Raso (two), Mary Fowler and Catley, who expertly converted her second penalty for the tournament.
But some fans say they didn't do so in style, with the Aussie players donning their away strip, a bright kit in a shade described as either mint, aqua, light blue or teal, with yellow piping.
It continues a trend at this tournament of countries choosing non-traditional colours or outrageous designs for their away kits to appeal to a new and younger demographic of fans.
![Some Aussie fans were ropeable that Matildas stars like Alanna Kennedy (pictured) had to wear the side's bright and non-traditional away kit in a home World Cup](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/08/01/06/73825467-12359027-Some_Aussie_fans_were_ropeable_that_Matildas_stars_like_Alanna_K-a-59_1690868950102.jpg)
Some Aussie fans were ropeable that Matildas stars like Alanna Kennedy (pictured) had to wear the side's bright and non-traditional away kit in a home World Cup
![Some fans were upset Australia wasn't wearing their traditional green and gold jersey, as Catley did during the World Cup opener against Ireland](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/08/01/06/73825477-12359027-Some_fans_were_upset_Australia_wasn_t_wearing_their_traditional_-a-60_1690868950105.jpg)
Some fans were upset Australia wasn't wearing their traditional green and gold jersey, as Catley did during the World Cup opener against Ireland
But some Aussie supporters weren't exactly happy about the choice, or the fact the team wore it in what was the most important match in Matildas history - for now, anyway.
'So much for green and gold. Jesus Christ', one wrote, with another commenting: 'The Matildas most iconic match and we're not wearing green and gold?! Seriously what the f**k!'
'Away kit either gonna be iconic or burnt at all costs,' said a third; with a fourth questioning why 'the Matildas wearing their away kit when they're playing at a home World Cup?'
Another Matildas fun put it more bluntly: 'What the hell are we wearing?'
![A closer look at the controversial away kit, as worn by Steph Catley. It supposedly drew inspiration from Australia's vivid sea, with the rich trio of aqua, yellow and blue representing the country's natural wonders](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/08/01/06/73827575-12359027-A_closer_look_at_the_controversial_away_kit_as_worn_by_Steph_Cat-a-61_1690868950134.jpg)
A closer look at the controversial away kit, as worn by Steph Catley. It supposedly drew inspiration from Australia's vivid sea, with the rich trio of aqua, yellow and blue representing the country's natural wonders
Putting aside the choice of having the decidedly non-traditional colouring for the away kit, Australia's long-time media manager, Ann Odong, said there was a pretty simple explanation for why the side wasn't in green and gold at a 'home' World Cup.
'For all those who have asked. 'Home' and 'away' are designated following the placing of each team in a group during the Official Draw,' she said.
'Each nation provides a home kit and away kit option. Last night we were 'away' to Canada.'
For their part, Matildas stars were consulted about the design of the World Cup jerseys, and are pretty stoked with them; despite it being an away kit like we have never seen before.
The jersey is a bright shade of aqua, and is broken up by pale yellow piping and a blue side panel.
The shorts are the same shade of aqua/cyan with a darker blue side panel, and finished off with the light socks.
It supposedly drew inspiration from Australia's vivid sea, with the rich trio of colours representing the country's natural wonders.
Essentially it is supposed to inspire the next generation of young Sam Kerr's with its bright and bold design, and while fans aren't convinced, it appears dynamite defender Hayley Raso is a big fan.
![Hayley Raso, pictured celebrating opening the scoring against Canada on Monday night, is a huge fan of the aqua away kit](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/08/01/06/73825451-12359027-Hayley_Raso_pictured_celebrating_opening_the_scoring_against_Can-a-62_1690868950137.jpg)
Hayley Raso, pictured celebrating opening the scoring against Canada on Monday night, is a huge fan of the aqua away kit
'I absolutely loved the new kit when I first saw it, I think it represents the team perfectly with its bold and bright design to match all the personalities that we have in the squad,' she said.
'The kit definitely makes a statement and I'm so excited to wear it.'
The Australia public certainly likes donning the jersey, with Sam Kerr no. 20 jerseys selling out across the country.
A day before the tournament opener for the Matildas on July 20, Nike confirmed that the Australian women's team have sold more official jerseys ahead of the tournament than the Socceroos managed during and since the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
It's a stunning achievement for a side who hadn't yet played a game, and especially considering the history-making efforts of the men's side last year.
Ashley Reade, the boss of Nike Pacific, believes that the marketing potential for the women's team is now greater than the men's - and big part of that is down to star striker Sam Kerr.
![Sam Kerr poses in her iconic no. 20 jersey just prior to the World Cup](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/08/01/06/73829295-12359027-Sam_Kerr_poses_in_her_iconic_no_20_jersey_just_prior_to_the_Worl-a-63_1690868950137.jpg)
Sam Kerr poses in her iconic no. 20 jersey just prior to the World Cup
'I think she (Kerr) is one of the biggest athletes in the world already,' Mr Reade told The Australian Financial Review prior to the tournament.
'She would be right up there, without question, as one of the most marketable athletes in the world.'
'We (Nike) think women's football has the biggest upside because it's a truly globally game and we would say is still under-penetrated.'
Kerr is expected to be fit enough to play at least some part given she has seven days to recover ahead of Australia's Round of 16 game in Sydney next Monday night, which is expected to be against Denmark.
And for that match, Australia will be in the traditional green and gold, to the relief of many fans.
Most watched Sport videos
- Giants fans burn quarterback Daniel Jones' jersey after loss
- Montenegro fans create distraction from football with fireworks
- Las Vegas Raiders fan body slams a woman during brawl
- Awkward moment footy great can't pronounce NRL player's name
- Johnny Gaudreau's wife Meredith announces she is pregnant
- Moment Miami Dolphin's Tyreek Hill is arrested by police
- Jason Kelce bares all with ex-Eagles teammate in revealing beer ad
- Shocking bodycam of Tyreek Hill arrest released by Miami-Dade PD
- Woman exposes NRL boyfriend for leaving her for another
- Ireland fans mock Queen's death aiming chants at England fans
- John Hunt makes a poignant return to the commentary box at Brighton
- Tyreek Hill speeds by police before cops aggressively pull him over