The CommBank Matildas will take on Mexico in a one-off game on Tuesday, 9 April 2024 (local) / Wednesday, 10 April 2024 (AEST) in their first meeting since 2011.
The match will be a stern test against the CONCACAF semi-finalists in preparation for the Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024.
Squad News
CommBank Matildas head coach Tony Gustavsson has named his squad with the purpose of continuing preparations for Paris 2024.
“With our opponents revealed at the Olympic Draw this Thursday, our extremely challenging assignment over the coming months, and next two FIFA international windows, is to narrow down on the final 18 players that will provide the best chance for success when taking on those rivals in France,” he said, when the initial 23-player squad was announced.
Injuries to several players including Clare Hunt, Katrina Gorry, Courtney Nevin, Aivi Luik, Lydia Williams, Chloe Logarzo in the lead-up to camp and Emily Gielnik during the team's sessions in Florida have made this camp “challenging.”
However, it has also been an opportunity to call up different players and combinations heading into Paris 2024.
“Now we’ve got the chance to look at some other players, test our depth in the roster and also look at some players in different positions,” he explained in the pre-match press conference.
Some of these players include Sharn Freier, who has been called up for her first-ever camp; and Winonah Heatley, recalled for the first time since 2022.
“Tomorrow is not just about picking the best team available to beat Mexico, it’s also to get answers, and we have to be brave enough to do that,” he continued.
Our Opponent
Mexico is a team very much capable of beating anyone on their day. With women’s football on the rise in the country, highlighted by the rapid growth of Liga MX Femenil, a FIFA Ranking of 31 belies their ability to excite and entertain.
This was highlighted by a recent semi-final run in the CONCACAF Gold Cup, during which they defeated the United States 2-0.
La Tri were not able to qualify for Paris 2024. However, much like the CommBank Matildas, head coach Pedro Lopez is looking to use this window to continue to grow and build his squad towards the future.
“We want to beat the best,” Lopez expressed.
Maria Sánchez, who plays for the Houston Dash in the NWSL, is one player to watch. Lizbeth Ovalle from Tigres in Liga MX Femenil is another – she was the first goalscorer in the game against the United States.
Tweet: https://twitter.com/miseleccionmxEN/status/1773506261595603268
Keep up to date with all of the latest news regarding the game against Mexico via the official CommBank Matildas website.
MATCH DETAILS | APRIL 2024 FIFA WINDOW
Mexico v Australia
Date: Tuesday, 9 April 2024 (local) / Wed, 10 April 2024 (AUS)
Kick-off: 7.00pm (local) / 10.00am (AEST)
Venue: Toyota Field, San Antonio, TX
Broadcast: Paramount ANZ
Tickets: ticketmaster.com