'Last opportunity': Milicic discusses his plans for Netherlands

 Ante Milicic says fine-tuning combinations on the pitch and getting match minutes into the legs of those who need it are vital in Sunday morning’s (2.15am AEST kick-off) friendly against the Netherlands.

A sell-out crowd at Eindhoven’s 35,000-capacity Philips Stadion is anticipated for Australia’s final pre-World Cup fixture against world number eight-ranked Netherlands.

It will offer the Westfield Matildas a great opportunity to finalise their tournament preparations in a raucous atmosphere, at the home ground of Eredivisie giants PSV.

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MATCH PREVIEW: Netherlands v Westfield Matildas
CARPENTER: Defender buzzing for sellout crowd in Eindhoven

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Milicic, 45, recognised that Sunday’s hit-out against The Oranjevrouwen is the last chance to experiment before Australia's FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign begins against Italy on Sunday, June 9 (9.00pm AEST kick off)

The Westfield Matildas boss also said he’ll try to strike a balance when it comes to deciding his line up and substitutions against the Netherlands.

“When I look at the squad and the minutes they’ve played - particularly the last two months - it’s very important because I do feel you have to get that balance right,” Milicic said.

“A lot of girls have had continuous football as well so you’re looking at an element of freshness if you want to go deep into the tournament.

Milicic
Milicic and Emily van Egmond share a laugh during training

“At the same time, we need the team to play together and have that understanding which, I must say, I’ve been quite happy with.

“There’s a couple of things we’ll look at again, and this is probably the last opportunity to in some degree experiment with a few things.

“But at the same time, I’m confident with what we have planned for tomorrow night in terms of our line-up, plan, formation and the match minutes for a couple of players coming off the bench.”

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