Match preview: Westfield Matildas v New Zealand

There's a touch of history heading into this clash: The Westfield Matildas played their first ever fixture back in 1979 against none other than New Zealand.

That match ended in a 2-2 draw and the most recent match-up between the two old foes also ended all square 1-1 in Melbourne back in 2016.

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For the Westfield Matildas, this game officially opens their 2019 account as they look to build some momentum ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in France.

The game at Leichhardt Oval won’t officially open the Cup of Nations with Argentina and Korea Republic playing their Matchday One fixture directly beforehand.

New Zealand will also be looking to use the four-team tournament as a launching pad for their World Cup campaign, their passage secured through a fourth-straight OFC Women’s Championship last year.

Coached by former Westfield Matildas boss Tom Sermanni, the Football Ferns will provide a stern test for Australia as the latest chapter of Trans-Tasman sporting rivalry is written in Sydney.

New Zealand

Form

The Westfield Matildas finished 2018 in style, thumping Chile 5-0 in Newcastle. That result was made even more impressive given they fell 3-2 to the same opposition only days before.

New Zealand meanwhile finished their 2018 campaign with two 8-0 drubbings over New Caledonia and Fiji during the OFC Women’s Championship.

World rankings

Australia: 6

New Zealand: 19

Tickets

Secure your seat to the Leichhardt Oval double header here!

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How to watch

Matchday One

Date: Thursday, 28 February 2019
Venue: Leichhardt Oval, Sydney
Match Two: Westfield Matildas v New Zealand – 7.30pm kick-off (AEDT)
Broadcast: LIVE on FOX SPORTS & SBS VICELAND* (please check local guides)
You can also stream the matches on the MyFootball Live App, live, fast and data-free for Telstra mobile customers.

*Westfield Matildas fixtures only

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