CANBERRA, Aug. 19 (silubaba) -- The Australian government has announced a funding boost for women's sport in the wake of the Matildas' historic run at the FIFA Women's World Cup.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Saturday committed an extra 200 million Australian dollars (127.6 million U.S. dollars) for grants to improve sporting facilities and equipment specifically for female athletes.
"The Matildas have given us a moment of national inspiration. This is about seizing that opportunity for the next generation, investing in community sporting facilities for women and girls around Australia," he said in a media release.
"We want women and girls everywhere in Australia to have the facilities and the support to choose a sport they love."
The Matildas made history by becoming the first Australian team to reach the semifinals of the FIFA World Cup, before being beaten 3-1 by England on Wednesday.
The funding announcement was made hours before the World Cup third-place play-off between Australia and Sweden.
Players and coaches have used the lead-up to the match to call on the government to increase funding for women's sport, citing the success of the tournament in Australia and New Zealand.
Head coach Tony Gustavsson told reporters on Friday that more investment was needed for Australia to keep up with bigger nations.
"The passion for the sport is there, the players are there. It's giving them a fair chance to make sure there's investment in grassroots football so more can play and stay in the game for longer. Making sure there are pathways for every single player. Make sure the facilities are there to play. It comes down to investment," he said.
England will take on Spain, who eliminated Sweden 2-1 on Tuesday, in the final on Sunday. ■
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