It's time to get excited. The FIFA Women's World Cup France 2019™ is almost with us, with just 16 days to go until the action gets underway at Parc des Princes in Paris.
The opening fixture will see hosts France take on Korea Republic at 9.00pm local time on 7 June (5.00am, 8 June, AEST), with the Westfield Matildas in action for the first time when they face Italy in Valenciennes on 9 June at 1.00pm local time (9.00pm AEST).
www.matildas.com.au is running a series of features counting down the days until the Westfield Matildas make their play for the trophy, continuing today with No.16...
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At an age when most young people are studying hard for their high-school exams, Caitlin Foord was busy brushing up on knowledge of a different sort.
The Sydney FC player was just 16 years, seven months and 18 days old when she began her elite football education as right-back for the Westfield Matildas against Brazil in their opening Group D match of the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup in Germany.
In the process, she became the youngest Australian – male or female – to represent the country at a senior FIFA World Cup.
Her revision notes would have included 'stop the world's No.1', as she came up against Brazilian left-winger Marta, who had been voted FIFA's World Player of the Year for five years running leading up to the tournament.
She clearly passed her test with flying colours. Eight years and 71 caps later – and now a dynamic forward player herself, with 16 goals to her credit in the green and gold – Foord will take part in her third FIFA Women's World Cup when she takes the field in France next month.
WATCH: My Westfield Matildas Story, with Sam Kerr
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FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019™ – Group C – Australia Matches
Australia v Italy
Date: Sunday, 9 June 2019 (AEST)
Venue: Stade du Hainaut, Valenciennes
Kick-off: 9.00pm AEST (1.00pm local time, same day)
Australia v Brazil
Date: Friday, 14 June 2019 (AEST)
Venue: Stade de la Mosson, Montpellier
Kick-off: 2.00am AEST (6.00pm local time, Thursday 13 June)
Jamaica v Australia
Date: Wednesday, 19 June 2019 (AEST)
Venue: Stade des Alpes, Grenoble
Kick-off: 5.00am AEST (9.00pm local time, Tuesday 18 June)
Click below to #GetOnside for the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023™ in Australia