Countdown to the Women's World Cup: 16 days to go

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...

World Cup Countdown_16 days to go_graphic


ELLIE CARPENTER: Watch my Westfield Matildas Story 
AUSSIES ABROAD: Kerr and Foord score in the NWSL 
GET KITTED OUT: All you need to know about the Westfield Matildas new Nike shirts 
COMING NEXT: Australia re-affirms bid to host FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 

World Cup Countdown_16 days to go_Caitlin Foord and Marta
Aged 16 on her World Cup debut, Caitlin Foord faced the not insignificant task of shackling the outstanding Marta

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
WORLD CUP COUNTDOWN:
 30292827262524232221201918, 17 days to go
WATCH: The time is now, says record goalscorer Lisa De Vanna

How to Watch FIFA Women's World Cup 2019

WATCH: Foord has scored 16 goals for Australia, including this cracker against the USA in April 2019

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

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