Questions

What is the plot?

The movie History Makers: The Story of the 2010 AFC Women's Asian Cup Winners (2025) unfolds as a detailed, scene-by-scene narrative of the Australian women's national soccer team, the Matildas, during their historic 2010 AFC Women's Asian Cup campaign in Chengdu, China.

The film opens with scenes of the Matildas arriving in Chengdu, a city under heavy monsoon rains, setting a challenging atmosphere. The team is introduced as young and relatively unknown, with an average age of 22, many players participating in their first major international tournament. Early scenes show training sessions disrupted by weather and the players coping with injury setbacks, emphasizing their grit and resilience.

The group stage matches are depicted in detail. The Matildas face strong opponents including DPR Korea, China, Japan, South Korea, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. One scene shows DPR Korea’s aggressive play against Thailand, scoring early goals, highlighting the tough competition the Matildas face. The film captures the intensity of these matches, with the Matildas adapting their tactics and showing determination despite adverse conditions.

Key players such as Clare Polkinghorne, Melissa Barbieri, Elise Kellond-Knight, Tameka Yallop, and a young Sam Kerr are shown in action, their skills and teamwork gradually gaining recognition. The narrative follows the Matildas’ progression through the tournament, culminating in the semi-final against Japan. This match is portrayed with tension and drama, as the Matildas fight hard to secure a victory, a pivotal moment that propels them into the final.

The final match against DPR Korea is depicted with vivid scenes of a heavy downpour, muddy pitch, and relentless attacks from both sides. The Matildas and DPR Korea battle through regular time and extra time, ending in a 1-1 draw. The film captures the emotional intensity of the penalty shootout, focusing on 18-year-old Kyah Simon’s decisive winning penalty kick. The moment she scores is shown as a climax, with the team and a small crowd of about 1,200 erupting in celebration.

The closing scenes show the Matildas lifting the AFC Women's Asian Cup trophy, marking Australia’s first major senior national team title in Asian football. The film ends by highlighting the lasting legacy of this victory, how it inspired a generation and elevated women’s football in Australia, setting the stage for future successes and the upcoming 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup to be hosted in Australia.

Throughout the movie, the main characters—players and coaching staff—are shown overcoming physical and mental challenges, achieving their goal of winning the tournament. All the key players survive and achieve their ambitions, with the film emphasizing their collective triumph rather than individual fates.

This narrative is based on the documented events of the 2010 AFC Women's Asian Cup and the commemorative documentary released by Football Australia in 2025, which the movie draws from to portray the tournament’s progression and the Matildas’ historic win.

What is the ending?

⚠ Spoiler – click to reveal

The movie "History Makers: The Story of the 2010 AFC Women's Asian Cup Winners" ends with the Australian women's national soccer team, the Matildas, triumphantly winning the 2010 AFC Women's Asian Cup in Chengdu, China, securing their first major international title and marking a historic moment for Australian women's football.

Expanding on the ending scene by scene:

The final moments unfold in the Chengdu Sports Centre, where the Matildas face a formidable opponent in the championship match. The atmosphere is tense but charged with determination. The team, with an average age of 22 and many players in their first international tournament, has battled through injury setbacks and challenging weather conditions, including monsoonal rain.

As the match progresses, the Matildas demonstrate resilience and tactical discipline. Key players such as Clare Polkinghorne, Melissa Barbieri, Elise Kellond-Knight, Tameka Yallop, and the young Kyah Simon are central to the team's efforts. The narrative highlights a pivotal moment involving an 18-year-old Kyah Simon, who scores the winning penalty kick. This moment is described with vivid detail: a free kick near the halfway line is lobbed in by Servet Uzunlar, flicked on by Kyah Simon, and amidst chaotic play, Sarah Walsh capitalizes on the goalkeeper's failure to control the ball, leading to the decisive goal.

The scene captures the jubilation and relief as the final whistle blows, confirming Australia's victory. The players embrace, their exhaustion evident but overshadowed by the joy of their achievement. The film shows close-ups of the main characters' faces—some tearful, others smiling broadly—each reflecting on the significance of the win.

Following the final, the movie depicts the aftermath: the team lifting the trophy, the modest crowd of about 1,200 spectators witnessing the historic moment, and the players' recognition as pioneers who elevated women's football in Australia. The fate of the main characters is shown through brief epilogues or voiceovers: Clare Polkinghorne and Melissa Barbieri continue to be influential figures in Australian football; Kyah Simon's career is highlighted as one that inspired future generations; other team members are shown moving into coaching, advocacy, or continuing their playing careers, all united by the legacy of this victory.

The closing scenes emphasize the lasting impact of the 2010 win, setting the stage for the growth of women's football in Australia, culminating in the anticipation of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026, where the sport is expected to reach new heights with large crowds and increased visibility.

Thus, the movie ends on a note of triumph, legacy, and hope, portraying the Matildas' 2010 victory as a defining moment that transformed the landscape of women's football in Australia.

Is there a post-credit scene?

⚠ Spoiler – click to reveal

The movie History Makers: The Story of the 2010 AFC Women's Asian Cup Winners (2025) does not have any publicly documented post-credit scene. Available sources, including the official documentary release and related videos, do not mention or show any post-credit content following the film.

The documentary focuses on the dramatic tournament run, the players' grit and resilience, and the lasting legacy of the 2010 victory, but no indication of a post-credit scene has been noted in the premiere or subsequent viewings.

What specific challenges did the team face during the 2010 AFC Women's Asian Cup tournament as depicted in the movie?

The movie shows the team overcoming injury setbacks and playing through difficult conditions such as monsoonal rain, highlighting their grit and resilience throughout the tournament.

Which key moments or goals are highlighted in the film as turning points in the tournament?

A crucial goal scored by Katie, described as a beautiful volley, is emphasized as one of the most important in Matildas history, occurring when the team was under intense pressure with possession heavily favoring Japan. The film also depicts a tense moment when a Japanese cross hit the crossbar, narrowly missing a goal.

How does the documentary portray the team dynamics and relationships among players?

The documentary illustrates how despite differing personal views, the players united with shared values and respect, creating a strong foundation for success. The team’s mentality is described as happy-go-lucky but determined, with a collective desire to achieve more for their country and gain better treatment.

Which players are featured prominently in the story for their contributions during the tournament?

While the film focuses on the whole team, Katie is specifically highlighted for scoring the pivotal volley goal. The narrative also includes various household names who were part of the young squad averaging 22 years old, many playing their first international tournament.

How does the film depict the final moments and the penalty shootout that decided the championship?

The movie showcases the drama and tension of the penalty shootout win, emphasizing the teamwork and mental strength required to prevail in such a high-pressure situation, marking the historic victory for the Matildas.

Is this family friendly?

The movie History Makers: The Story of the 2010 AFC Women's Asian Cup Winners (2025) is family friendly, focusing on the inspiring journey of the Australian women's soccer team during their historic 2010 tournament win. It is a sports documentary celebrating resilience, teamwork, and achievement, suitable for children and sensitive viewers.

Potentially upsetting or objectionable content is minimal but may include: - Intense sports competition scenes with physical contact or minor injuries typical in soccer. - Emotional moments of disappointment or struggle, such as injury setbacks or tense match situations. - Some scenes may depict rain or challenging weather conditions affecting the players.

There are no indications of violence, strong language, or adult themes that would be inappropriate for children or sensitive audiences. The tone is uplifting and celebratory, emphasizing perseverance and triumph.