Will viewers abandon the MATILDAS after their loss to England?

There has been a lot of love for the Matildas in recent weeks. Their performance at the 2023 World Cup has been nothing short of miraculous.

But while Australia’s female soccer team has delivered record ratings for Channel 7 (Wednesday night’s match was watched by a recorded audience of 4.5 million in the 5 capital cities), don’t expect the love to continue.

For all the talk about this being a defining moment in women’s sport, the reality is Australians love winners.

Losers, not so much.

I know that sounds harsh and I genuinely hope there is residual love for our girls who have beaten the odds to come so far in this tournament.

But history would suggest that won’t be the case.

Saturday’s match is unlikely to break any records, in fact, I predict numbers will be much lower than what was recorded last night.

It’s the same when it comes to men’s sports.

The host broadcaster of the Australian Open always hopes an Aussie will make the finals as executives know that will lead to higher ratings.

No Aussies = lower ratings.

Fact.

Does anyone actually watch Rugby Union these days now that Australia is the 8th highest-ranking team (after a low of 9th last year)?

Only the die-hard fans.

You might argue that this is a different scenario – thanks to the outpouring of support for the Matildas.

I’d like to think so, but I don’t believe it will happen.

The additional support from women and kids (who don’t traditionally watch male-skewing sports) has helped drive these record ratings.

But will they stay with the game now?

Some will, to be sure, but most will go back to their normal lives after being caught up in the hysteria of being able to support a winning team in a sport we traditionally struggle in.

As a nation, we know we are competitive in swimming globally, and we do very well against other Commonwealth countries.

So, it makes sense our national has gotten behind a winning team on a global stage in a sport most of us played as kids but have long since moved on from.

But that’s where it ends.

Unless the Matildas continue to kick goals (pun intended), then support will slowly evaporate and the hysteria of the 2023 World Cup will be a moment in time that didn’t last the distance.

Hopefully, I’m wrong, but history would suggest I’m not.