AUSTRALIA’S A CHANCE

THE Matildas’ stunning form, the rise of gender equality and soccer’s global charm means a perfect storm is brewing for Australia to host the 2023 Women’s World Cup.

Asian Cup chief Michael Brown says the women’s tournament would surpass the stunning success of the 2015 Asian Cup in Australia.

Matildas coach Alen Stajcic said hosting a World Cup and, better still, winning it would be a turning point for the sport.

Now chairman of marketing firm Bastion EBA, Brown said the Federal Government’s $1 million feasibility pledge was money well spent, with another $4 million committed if Australia won the FIFA vote.

More than 650,000 fans attended the 16-team Asian Cup, but a 24-team Women’s World Cup could exceed that.

“The Government, FFA and A-League clubs should be doing everything, if you really want to make a mark on the world stage,’’ he said.

“At a time when gender equality in sport is becoming critical, what a fantastic opportunity for the country and governments to get behind the biggest sport in the world by hosting the Women’s World Cup.

“We’ve got a nationally acclaimed women’s team, the benefits that brings not only in a commercial and national pride sense, but in bringing people together in challenging times globally would be such a boost for our country.

“It’s not [just] the sport that’s going to drive it, but FFA [should] galvanise [the country] and have a real red hot crack at getting this event to this country. “It’s an absolute no-brainer. “We won some credibility in Asia by putting on the Asian Cup, this is a great way of showing that we’re a credible partner [of the world game] and maybe we can host a men’s World Cup one day.’’

The Matildas look set to draw more than the 31,981 crowd at recent Brazil matches in NSW when they host China at AAMI Park and Simonds Stadium in Novem- ber, as the push for 2023 continues.

“That is the big picture, we want to win the World Cup but we also want to host it,” Stajcic said.

“When you look at turning points for a sport, either one of those events or both would be a game-changer forever.’’

Brown, a former Cricket Australia chief, said Australia’s track record of hosting major tournaments was exemplary.

“We know how to do it and this sport doesn’t just go to Asia, England and South Africa, but globally,” he said.

It’s akin to an Olympic Games.

“There’s so many opportunities for Australia.’’