The countdown continues, as the World Cup moves ever more sharply into focus. The FIFA Women's World Cup France 2019™ is almost with us, with just 24 days to go until the tournament kicks off 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).
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Twenty-four nations are finalising their plans for the upcoming tournament in France, with the first phase of competition bringing together six groups of four teams each.
The groups, and teams, break down as follows:
Group A: France, Korea Republic, Norway, Nigeria
Group B: Germany, China PR, Spain, South Africa
Group C: Australia, Italy, Brazil, Jamaica
Group D: England, Scotland, Argentina, Japan
Group E: Canada, Cameroon, New Zealand, Netherlands
Group F: USA, Thailand, Chile, Sweden
The six group winners, six runners-up and the four third-placed teams with the best record will progress to the knockout stages, which begin on Saturday 22 June in Nice. The final is scheduled for Sunday 7 July in Lyon.
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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)
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