Are you ready? The FIFA Women's World Cup France 2019™ kicks off at Parc des Princes in Paris in just two days' time.
The opening fixture will see hosts France take on Korea Republic at 9.00pm local time on Friday (7 June; 5.00am, 8 June, AEST), with the Matildas in action for the first time when they face Italy in Valenciennes on Sunday 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 2019 World Cup begins, continuing today with No.2...
CUP COUNTDOWN: 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3 days to go
WATCH: My Matildas Story, with Sam Kerr
For players who reach the heady heights of competing at a World Cup it is a chance to pit your skills against the very best the game has to offer.
The Matildas have found themselves in this rarified atmosphere on six previous occasions, and for two of the girls in green and gold the World Cup has twice seen them voted on to the All-Star Team of the Tournament.
Lisa De Vanna was the first Australian player to take the honour, included in the select XI at the end of the 2007 tournament in China. Competing at her first World Cup, De Vanna scored four goals as the Matildas reached the knockout stages for the first time.
She was followed four years later by midfielder Elise Kellond-Knight, who earned her place in the all-star line-up at the FIFA Women's World Cup Germany 2011™.
There was double delight in 2015, as both players were selected for the Team of the Tournament at the 2015 iteration in Canada. De Vanna scored twice at the competition – against Sweden and eventual champions USA – while Kellond-Knight was named player of the match as Brazil were beaten 1-0 in the Round of 16.
LIVE BLOG: All the news and updates on the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup
WATCH: The time is now, says record goalscorer Lisa De Vanna
GET TO KNOW THE SQUAD: Goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, forwards
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
