The Matildas will return to action on home soil in November with matches against Chile in Penrith and Newcastle.
Alen Stajcic’s side will hope for bumper crowds as they face the world No 39 side as part of their preparations for next June’s World Cup in France.
“Chile are an emerging nation in international women’s football and have qualified for next year’s Fifa Women’s World Cup for the first time ... we need to play against a diverse range of opposition and Chile will be great challenge for us,” Stajcic said.
Last year, two home friendlies against Brazil drew large attendances; the game in Penrith sold out and the one in Newcastle drew a record crowd. FFA CEO David Gallop said both occasions were “truly memorable” and he hoped for similar in November.
“With the 2019 Fifa Women’s World Cup coming up in nine months, and our own bid to host the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup ramping up, matches like this are important on and off the field,” Gallop added.
After finishing second at the Tournament of Nations in the US last month, when Stajcic’s side beat Brazil and Japan and drew with the US, the Matildas will head to France in June next year as a genuine contender for honours.
Stajcic said the games against a side of Chile’s standing would serve as good preparation for the World Cup.
“They [Chile] had a fantastic Copa America this year and have showed a great level of technical proficiency, as we would expect from a proud South American footballing nation,” Stajcic said.
“The atmosphere at our matches in Penrith and Newcastle last year was amazing and I know that the players are looking forward to running out in front of large, vocal home crowds,” concluded Stajcic.
The Matildas will also meet world No 3 France in Saint-Etienne on 5 October and the Phil Neville-coached England, ranked fourth, four days later.
“Australia has a great rivalry with England in sport and I hope this match continues to evoke that same passion and engagement that we’ve seen in so many other codes over the years,” Stajcic said.
