Countdown to the Women's World Cup: 7 days to go

Seven days separates us from the first kick of the FIFA Women's World Cup France 2019™ at Parc des Princes in Paris, with the excitement mounting with every passing day.

The opening fixture will see hosts France take on Korea Republic at 9.00pm local time a week today (7 June; 5.00am, 8 June, AEST), with the Westfield 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 Westfield Matildas begin their World Cup journey, continuing today with No.7...

7 days to go


CUP COUNTDOWN: 25, 24, 23, 22, 21, 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8 days to go
WATCH: My Westfield Matildas Story, with Sam Kerr

Julie Murray
Julie Murray (9) celebrates her goal in Australia's 1-1 draw against Ghana at the 1999 World Cup

June 6 will mark 24 years and three days from when journey all began for the Westfield Matildas.

On that day in 1995, Tom Sermanni's team lost to Denmark in what was their first ever appearance at a FIFA Women's World Cup.

That would begin an era of upward trajectory for women's football in Australia, so much so that the Westfield Matildas are about to take part in their seventh consecutive global showpiece.

How to watch the FIFA Women's World Cup

From humble beginnings, the Westfield Matildas have established themselves as a force to be reckoned with.

In the past three World Cups, the Green and Gold have reached the quarter-final stage, winning five matches along the way and scoring 20 goals in the process.

During that time, Lisa De Vanna and Lydia Williams have established themselves on the world stage – along with the equally dependable Clare Polkinghorne, France 2019 will be their fourth World Cup finals campaign.

The likes of Sam Kerr (25) and Caitlin Foord (24) are gearing up for their third appearance at the tournament, while first-time youngsters like Ellie Carpenter (19) and Mary Fowler (16) show the future is just as bright.

READ MORE: Yallop expecting unrivalled atmosphere in France as World Cup nears
WATCH: The time is now, says record goalscorer Lisa De Vanna

GET TO KNOW THE SQUAD: Goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, forwards

Even Pellerud, Heye Riise
Even Pellerud (left) and Heye Riise celebrate Norway's win in the 1995 FIFA Women's World Cup

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

getonsidethin