’Really surreal’, Women’s World Cup trophy lands in Australia

Australia’s Sarah Hunter, Courtney Nevin and Claire Hunt with the 2023 Women’s World Cup trophy to be held in Australia and New Zealand. , photo credit: AFP

The Women’s World Cup suddenly became very real for Australia defender Claire Hunt on Thursday as she took part in the first leg of the trophy’s tour around the co-host nation.

Ahead of the quadrangular tournament, which begins in Australia and New Zealand on July 20, 31 other participating nations have already received the trophy.

Watching the hunt, 1999 World Cup winner Briana Scurry with the United States and New South Wales Premier Chris Min unveiled the trophy at Taronga Zoo, next to Sydney’s harbour.

“It’s really amazing to be here in front of the trophy and to be here in Australia,” said the 24-year-old Hunt, who is looking forward to making the Matildas squad for the tournament.

“To be honest I’m very excited and that’s something I want our team to strive for and I believe we can do it. So I think once we have that , then it is not out of reach.

“So I look at it and think it’s something big for Australian football.”

Only former winners and heads of state are allowed to touch the trophy, which will be presented to the winning captain at Stadium Australia in Sydney after the final on 20 August.