With the FIFA Women’s World Cup just around the corner, Australian football fans are in for a month-long festival of football.
But the main focus for Aussies will be around the Matildas, as Tony Gustavsson’s side look to go deep into the tournament.
The Matildas have never made it further than the quarter-final and went as far as the Round of 16 at the 2019 Women’s World Cup.
So, who are the players tasked with bearing the weight of the nation on their shoulders and when are they playing?
WOMEN’S WORLD CUP PREVIEW PODCASTS – LISTEN NOW!
PART ONE: Preview of EVERY group and which players could catch your eye
PART TWO: Three burning Matildas questions and why their Group B rivals are a threat
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Catley catapults the Tillies to victory! | 00:27
REPORT: Matildas win tough WC opener in front of record crowd
PLAYER RATINGS: Tillies star’s masterclass amid Irish onslaught; forwards fail to fire in Kerr’s absence
TALKING POINTS: Kerr truth brave Matildas can’t deny; glaring World Cup question emphatically answered
‘NOT ABOUT ME’: Brave Kerr’s selfless act revealed as teammates react to big blow
WHO IS IN THE MATILDAS SQUAD?
Goalkeepers: Mackenzie Arnold (West Ham), Teagan Micah (FC Rosengard), Lydia Williams (Brighton)
Defenders: Ellie Carpenter (Lyon), Steph Catley (Arsenal), Charlotte Grant (Vittsjo GIK), Clare Hunt (Western Sydney Wanderers), Alanna Kennedy (Manchester City), Aivi Luik (BK Hacken), Courtney Nevin (Leicester City), Clare Polkinghorne (Vittsjo GIK)
Midfielders: Alex Chidiac (Racing Louisville), Kyra Cooney-Cross (Hammarby IF), Katrina Gorry (Vittsjo GIK), Emily van Egmond (San Diego Wave), Clare Wheeler (Everton), Tameka Yallop (SK Brann)
Forwards: Caitlin Foord (Arsenal), Mary Fowler (Manchester City), Sam Kerr (Chelsea), Hayley Raso (Real Madrid), Kyah Simon (unattached), Cortnee Vine (Sydney FC)
MATILDAS SQUAD: What you need to know about every Aussie
WHEN DO THE MATILDAS PLAY?
Thursday 20 July, 8pm: Australia 1-0 Republic of Ireland, Stadium Australia (Sydney/Gadigal)
Thursday 27 July, 8pm: Australia v Nigeria, Brisbane Stadium (Brisbane/Meeanjin)
Monday 31 July, 8pm: Canada v Australia, Melbourne Rectangular Stadium (Melbourne/Naarm)
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