Australia's female footballers set off to Vietnam with the sole objective of defending their Asian Cup crown.
While they fell agonizingly short of doing so - losing to world number three Japan in the final by just one goal - they did manage to achieve some crucial goals along the way.
Firstly, they did Australia proud - playing an attacking, exciting and varied game in Asia's showpiece tournament. Their skills on the pitch against the World Cup holders Japan were certainly world class. If the Socceroos can match the same tenacity and fighting spirit of their female counterparts then they could well surprise a few teams in Brazil.
Secondly, and perhaps just as importantly, the team qualified for next year's FIFA women's World Cup in Brazil.
Let that sink in for a second.
When the Socceroos qualified for their Rio Road trip - it was emblazoned on newspapers everywhere. The players basked in the limelight of their achievement. There was even a huge fan celebration in Sydney where the Socceroos achievements were paraded - as well they should be.
The Matildas qualification was done without the same celebration and circumstance. It was merely a distraction as they had loftier targets - like winning the Asian Cup. While their style of celebration was muted, their achievement is no less important. In fact, it might be more important. Here's why.
The Socceroos are being written off by almost every football pundit in the country - and many would be astounded if Ange Postecoglou's men escaped the group stage. It would be an incredible achievement to emerge from what many have called the "group of death" where World Champions Spain, 2010 finalist the Netherlands and world number thirteen Chile lurk ominously.
Under the stewardship of Alen Stajcic, Australia's best female footballers aren't looking to advance beyond their group in Canada next year. They are seeking glory that is almost unfathomable to Mile Jedinak's side.
"Our goal is to be in the top two or three...There is so much potential in this team," the Matildas interim coach Ivan Stajic told SBS after the team landed back on Australian soil.
That belief is something he has instilled in his players too. Clare Polkinghorne believes her team has the talent to challenge the top ranked nations like Germany and the United States in 2015.
"There are so many young girls. With a few more years experience under their belts, it's going to be really exciting to see how we can go," said Polkinghorne.
Occupying eleventh spot on FIFA's Wold Rankings, the Matildas are by far Australia's top footballing prospect. It could perhaps be the team to provide Australia with its biggest moment on football's world stage.
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