solitude → sam kerr

nine → game time

.·:*¨༺ ༻¨*:·.

as the band relishes the break after their last concert, the anticipation for the matildas' game against germany fills the air. the vibrant atmosphere of the stadium captured the collective excitement and energy of the fans. the cheers, chants, and the colourful display of national pride were evident as supporters came together for this significant match. as the band experiences a moment of relaxation, they delved into their reflections on the tour, emphasising the blend of stress and satisfaction.

in the pregame moments, evelyn and the band wandered through the crowds outside the stadium. street vendors sold an array of snacks and merchandise, adding to the festive ambiance. fans adorned in matilda's and germany gear as they shared laughs, creating a lively mosaic of support for the both teams.

evelyn, despite her initial intention to attend a different match, felt a surge of pride and connection with the matildas. the band, accustomed to the roar of concert crowds, embraced the different kind of energy surrounding them. the anticipation before the game created a intense excitement, and evelyn found herself immersed in the infectious spirit of soccer fandom.

the stadium's exterior walls were adorned with murals depicting iconic moments from previous tournaments, capturing the rich history of women's soccer. as the band strolled through the atmosphere, they couldn't help but appreciate the unity that sports brought to people from all walks of life.

groups of fans engaged in friendly banter, sharing predictions and discussing the standout players. the streets echoed with chants and cheers, creating a vibrant prelude to the main event. evelyn, now adorned in a matildas scarf gifted by maxine, felt a sense of belonging in this sea of passionate supporters.

the pregame rituals and festivities further fueled the band's anticipation. as they made their way inside the stadium, the rhythmic thud of drums and the buzz of excitement heightened their senses.

the stadium hushed as the national anthems echoed through the air. the matildas and their german counterparts stood side by side, arms draped over their respective team's shoulders, a visual representation of collectivism and national pride. the singing of the anthems echoed a shared respect, a moment that bridged the gap between the audience and athletes, emphasising a mutual respect for the sport.

as the anthems concluded, the teams dispersed, their focus shifting to the impending match. the captains, representing their nations, stepped forward for the coin toss. a brief moment unfolded as the team leaders shook hands with both the opposition captain and the leading referee. it was a symbol of sportsmanship, a nod to the shared values that underlie the game they were about to play.

the energy in the stadium intensified, anticipation building for the referee's whistle to kick off the match. the band, now seated among the fans, felt a unique connection to the event unfolding before them. the intersection of music and sports created a rich array of emotions, blending the thrill of competition with the unifying power of shared experiences.

the stadium buzzed with anticipation as the cheers of over thirty-seven thousand fans echoed through the air, creating an electrifying atmosphere. australia, having suffered a previous loss against canada, entered the match with a fervour to redeem their olympic campaign.

just five minutes into the game, a moment of brilliance unfolded. caitlin foord, breaking through the german defence, skillfully manoeuvred the ball down the field. in a swift exchange, she delivered a perfect pass to sam kerr, who expertly found the back of the net, securing an early lead for australia.

the eruption of cheers from the crowd mirrored max's excitement as she pulled her bandmate up to celebrate her home country's success. aware of the potential headlines, evelyn embraced the moment with her friend, joining in the celebration, even if it meant being caught on camera.