'Oh, wow': The Matildas legacy question that's too complicated to answer
When Alanna Kennedy stepped into the mixed zone after the Matildas' heartbreaking Asian Cup final defeat, she graciously answered every question that came to her.
One question stumped her.
What is the legacy of this tournament?
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"Oh, wow. I'm not sure how to answer that," she said at first.
Then she pondered for a second.
Alanna Kennedy during the Asian Cup final. Getty
"I think for us, we're always trying to do what's best for our country and if we can inspire young girls along the way, girls and boys, people of all different ages, then I think that's where we can win," she said.
"Just being able to play for the Matildas is special."
The legacy of this Matildas group is one that will have a complicated definition as time goes on.
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With two home tournaments now gone, the absence of a trophy will dominate that discussion for years to come.
But you can't argue with the point Kennedy made.
Maybe the win for this generation is the impact they've made.
Never has such a quality group of players been assembled for an Australian women's football team and the likes of Kerr, Catley, Foord, Fowler etc have inspired a generation.
Steph Catley and Mary Fowler. Getty
But this Asian Cup final will hurt deeply.
Steph Catley said as much post-match, trying to hold back tears.
"One of the hardest (losses) of my career," she told Paramount.
This one was there for the taking, except a defensive juggernaut in Japan proved too much to overcome.
It wasn't for lack of trying or support.
Upon arrival in Sydney Olympic Park, the eateries, Locker Room, and lines were full of green and gold.
There was an expectation that something special was about to be witnessed.
Amy Sayer takes a selfie with fans. Getty
In the early exchanges, the Aussies took it to Japan and looked promising.
But then in the flash of an eye, Maiko Hamano hit a long-range stunner and sucked the stadium dry.
By half-time, the energy was lacking in a packed Stadium Australia.
In the 48th minute, the Matildas had numerous entries into the box but Japan scrambled. A throw-in came and Ellie Carpenter gestured to the crowd to fire up.
From there, the crowd roared again. Carpenter's efforts were the most noticeable. Constantly she was running down that right touchline or screaming for the ball.
The roar would grow louder for every chance. But those chances were never converted.
When Alanna Kennedy almost equalised with a header in the 89th minute, even Asian Football Confederation staff had their hands on their hands in agony.
In the 76th minute, Caitlin Foord put the ball in the six-yard box for substitute Hayley Raso. She lost her duel before Sam Kerr couldn't control her volley and it went out.
Raso slammed the turf and her face said it all. Tonight would not be the Matildas' night.
Hayley Raso reacts after a chance couldn't be taken. Paramount
Just over half of the Matildas side that stepped out on to Stadium Australia is over 30 and how Joe Montemurro tackles this side from here will be interesting.
The next World Cup in Brazil is next year and there's no doubt this group will want one last chance at silverware.
"We've still got the core group that are at the top level themselves so it's very hard to say 'bye bye' because they're all playing Champions League, all playing top level football," Montemurro said in his post-match press conference.
"In my time if you were over 28 or 29 or 30 you were too old but now with sport science, recovery, process and load management, players can still play on. I'm excited with that batch and the next batch is really exciting too."
The reality for Montemurro is there's little time to ponder what could have been because the next international window is three weeks away.
Joe Montemurro walks past the Asian Cup. Getty
"The timing hasn't been great, it is what it is," he said.
"We've got players that are leaving tomorrow and playing Champions League during the week. This is football nowadays."
And that right there may be the legacy this team leaves. These players are Champions League level class, and have helped pave the way for what's to come.
They've broken records too.
The 74,397 strong crowd at Accor Stadium was a a Women's Asian Cup match record.
Australian football is seen differently on the world stage and with another World Cup on the horizon, why should the dream of a trophy stop now?
