Logarzo says Westfield Matildas must maintain Olympic standard against China PR
There are no gold medals at stake in Thursday night's clash with China PR but Ante Milicic is urging the Westfield Matildas to prepare and play at an Olympic standard, revealed Chloe Logarzo.
The Westfield Matildas host world No. 15-ranked China at Western Sydney Stadium (kick off 7.30pm AEDT) with both teams already qualified for the Tokyo 2020 play-offs.
But Logarzo, who signed for FA Women's Super League side Bristol City in January, confirmed there would be absolutely zero complacency ahead of the clash in Parramatta.
"It's important that we play at the highest level and going in as if we were playing at the Olympics already even though this is the qualification for it, making sure our match minutes are high," she said.
"... and that we're carrying the highest standard. If you're doing it at the highest standard for long periods of time that's when perfection comes.
"For the first time going into a major tournament I don't think there's any complacency.
"Ante [Milicic] really pushes us on being the best that we can be and being prepared for every single half of every single game."
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WATCH: Westfield Matildas v China PR
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Having stamped their play-offs ticket and moved one step closer to Tokyo 2020 with victories over Chinese Taipei (6-0) and Thailand (7-0), the Westfield Matildas are in pole position to finish Group B in top spot.
Milicic's side have a superior goal difference of +3 over China ahead of Thursday night's blockbuster.
But for Logarzo and the Westfield Matildas, focus must remain laser-sharp and standards at an Olympic-high - especially as Milicic's 20-player roster for the qualifiers must be culled to 18 when the time comes to pick a squad for the Olympics, should Australia qualify.
The former Sydney FC maestro is under no illusions that the clash with China is one of the last opportunities for her and the rest of the squad to make a lasting impression.
"The added pressure of only having 18 makes people perform," the 25-year-old said.
HIGHLIGHTS: Westfield Matildas v Thailand
HIGHLIGHTS: Westfield Matildas v Chinese Taipei
"But we do a good job of just being able to keep calm and play our football.
"It is all about being able to showcase and show Ante what we have in store in these games."
If Australia finish top of Group B, they will play Vietnam (ranked No. 32) in a two-legged home and away tie for a spot in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
The second-placed team will face Korea Republic (ranked No. 20).
You can watch the Westfield Matildas face China from 7:30pm AEDT on Thursday, LIVE on Fox Sports, Kayo Sports, the My Football Live app, or ABC iview. A delayed broadcast will be shown on ABC TV.
For international viewers, you can live stream the game via the My Football YouTube account.
Tickets for the game at Western Sydney Stadium in Parramatta can be purchased here.
Matchday 4 – Thursday 13 February 2020
Western Sydney Stadium, Parramatta
- Australia v China PR – 7.30pm AEDT
Broadcast: Live on FOX SPORTS, Kayo Sports, and the My Football Live App – delayed on ABC TV.
International viewers - Live streamed via My Football YouTube channel
