Most Australians will remember where they were when they saw Cortnee Vine sink the final shot of the penalty shoot out in the nail biting game against France to clinch the quarter finals.
It was a moment for the history books, as people in pubs, living rooms and restaurants around the world jumped to their feet, cheering for the Matildas.
Vine has worked to establish herself as a key winger and defender in the squad, so we decided to sit down with her and see what was going through her mind when she sunk that iconic goal, and what’s next for her in her career.
Cortnee On Her Match Winning Quarter Final Penalty Shot
When asking Cortnee about her match-winning goal in the quarter-final, she admits that quite a few people have told her where they were when it happened.
“It’s a good one to talk about, isn’t it?” she jokes. “Reflecting on that penalty, it was pretty crazy.”
“It was one of those ones where I wasn’t expected to take one. I was the 10th penalty taker…I didn’t think I’d be taking one.
“I was just encouraging the girls and obviously it came up to the time where it was my time, and as well, it was the shot to win it. It wasn’t just to continue the penalties; it was to finish the thing. And how I felt in the moment, I was so present in the moment. It’s hard to think about what I was thinking in the moment. It was just one of those things, you’re so focused and you just do it.”
She admits that the crowd and thoughts of everyone watching at home faded into the background as she prepared to take the shot. But, of course, the moment it hit the net she knew what it meant.
“I think that’s when it all started to hit me and after that, it’s been a whirlwind…It puts a big smile on my face talking about it because it was a pretty magical moment.”
The Women’s World Cup Has Moved The Female Agenda In Soccer, But Also Sport In General
Vine admits that the success of the Matildas in the Women’s World Cup has made its mark on the face of female sport.
“It was a massive shift for the Australian public and probably the world,” she says. “I think now we’re seeing the ripple…I’m looking forward to the Barclays [Super League] starting up soon and the Women’s League here in Australia.
“It’s just this big ripple effect, that’s happening, and it’s so good to see.”
Yet, The Prize Money Is Still Woefully Low
For those who didn’t know, the women’s prize pool for the FIFA Women’s World Cup was a quarter that of the men’s, sitting at $110 million USD, compared to the men’s at $440 million USD.
Prize equality should be a given, but the Matilda’s success in the cup this year – selling out major stadium after major stadium – is just further writing on the wall that they can drive a major following worthy of mega sums.
“The margin is closing and we are pushing, obviously, for that to close, with our unions all together. It’s something that will change overtime…There is a big gap right now,” Vine says.
“Yeah, it’s ridiculous. We’re hoping for the next World Cup that the gap gets more and more closed. With each World Cup…we’ll get there one day.”
Why Is Cortnee Vine Not Signing With An Overseas Team?
On the topic of the business of soccer, it was interesting that after cementing her place as an Australian sporting legend, Vine would choose not to sign a lucrative overseas deal but instead stay with the Australian comp, paying for Sydney FC.
For Vine, her dedication to the Australian squad was a simple decision.
“When it comes to your career, everyone has their own individual path they want to take…And for me, for the last few years, I’ve been gradually getting better and better with the Sydney FC girls,” she explains.
“We’ve had a good group of girls that have stuck around and there’s a few who decided to go on an adventure overseas. For their career, it might be what they need. But for me, right now, [Sydney FC] is where I want to be, and I’m continuing to grow.
“I know what I need, and right now, that’s what Sydney is giving me. I’m really looking forward to another exciting season and we have a lot of new faces.”
How You Can Support The Matildas And Women’s Soccer In General
Of course, the question on every Matildas fan’s lips is how we can continue the momentum built up during the world cup over the coming year.
Vine says that opting for a membership pass is a great way to show support for your local team.
“Getting those memberships and coming along to games each week that they’re at home [is helpful],” she says, adding that you can also tune in on Paramount +.
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