Matilda's famous spirit stretches only so far in heartbreaking loss

When the national team wins, the world is a wonderful place. When it loses, the nation mourns. Not as we mourn the treatment of vulnerable people, refugees, incarcerated Indigenous kids, the truly important ones, but rather the lost chance to feel the ecstasy of achievement, of unity. This loss was heartbreaking, and it will take time for everyone to process the painful reality that we did not show the best that we were capable of. Australia fought back in matches but even the famous Matildas' spirit can only stretch so far.

Congratulations to Norway. They were, overall, better than us in many ways. The Matildas truly never say die, their spirit is incredible, but Norway's football was, at times, exquisite and a level to which we aspire. The penalty should have stood, and the red card was harsh but they are a very fine football team, and in Maren Mjelde and Caroline Graham Hansen have two world-class stars.

There were beautiful moments in France 2019 on, and off, the field. The expose, after the incredible Brazil fightback, by Sam Kerr of the homophobic abuse that women and female athletes suffer daily was a demonstration of how important sport can be in reflecting and advancing debate on social issues. I wish that the Matildas were still alive in France because of this phenomenon, alone.

They represent a marvellously inclusive group, comfortable in who they are and with each other, a model for sport and society more generally. Gay or straight, who cares, let's play, or live together. If only we were all "Matildas". They represent so much that is commendable, noble and genuine and the joy they bring to their profession captures hearts. We love them for good reason.

Well done to Kerr for bringing the abuse that women athletes endure to further public attention. Her authentic response and her choice of words was a reminder that women's sport is theirs, and they must interpret events through their own prism, not by reference to how people react or conduct themselves in the men's game.

The sheer "normalness" of the Australian captain, giving honest and forthright views is hugely welcome for a star of her global magnitude. Let her be authentically Australian, celebrate her ability and achievements as a genuine world star. Remaining humble and unspoilt is a quality that we value and the Australian captain, record holder of four goals in one World Cup match, is both brilliant and true. That takes emotional bravery.

Abuse is one thing, criticism or critique another. These last must come with the territory. The national team belongs to the nation, and stating that they're not playing well, or that choices aren't conducive to success is not a personal attack on players. We need Australia debating the merits or otherwise of the offside trap, that's the whole point of growing the game and the players should never conflate this with a lack of support. They are entirely separate issues.

This is just the latest Asian or World Cup that our national teams have entered with an interim coach at the helm in a process of flux. Crises are the result of lack of clarity and leadership, and both were evident in the Stajcic affair, which certainly hurt the team's continuity.

If a toxic culture existed within the Matildas squad, this should have been dealt with at source, not months out from the prime opportunity for historic achievement. The game has a right to know how this could have been so badly managed over a period of time.

Ante Milicic came into a fraught situation and performed very well in challenging circumstances. He is a talented young coach who will benefit greatly from the experience. But the women have a right to ask where is their growth and opportunity to coach? How was there no succession plan? Where is the production line of female talent?

In the same week that a development review was announced, with an all-male panel, during the Women's World Cup for heaven's sake, it is clear that the game has a long way to go in substantive gender equality, even while we hold the Matildas up as the emblem of progress.

And the game will need to quickly decide how the W-League fits within the global framework of leagues. As other countries invest, and improve markedly including in traditional European powers, their leagues will hunger further for our players. The window for overdue expansion and investment is brief.

The Matildas' dreams, and ours now lie in the Olympics next year and beyond. Once again, we stressed, laughed, and cried with them but aside from some stirring memories to abide, this tournament carries a sense of sadness, at what could have been. No national team should ever have to wonder again.