Matildas prepare for China internationals

The Westfield Matildas have gone into camp in Sydney's south ahead of their two internationals against China PR in the coming week.

The Westfield Matildas have gone into camp in Sydney's south ahead of their two internationals against China PR in the coming week. The Matildas are set to host the Chinese Women-s National Team at WIN Stadium in Wollongong and Parramatta Stadium, Parramatta on Sunday 24 and Wednesday 27 November 2013 respectively.

Head Coach Hesterine de Reus has said she will be using these matches as part of preparations for next year-s AFC Women-s Asian Cup which will be held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam from 14-25 May.

“It is very important for us to get game time together at any opportunity in the lead up to next year-s AFC Women-s Asian Cup,” said de Reus.

“In addition it is equally important for us to spend time together as a group training and working on various aspects of our game.

“These matches against China PR will show us where we need to be at to be competitive at the Asian Cup.

“The fact that these matches will also fall with the Westfield W-League season will also allow us to compare the level of the players when they are fully match fit,” concluded de Reus.

This two match series has been made possible as a result of a partnership between FFA and Venues NSW (which owns and operates WIN Stadium and Parramatta Stadium) to bring elite Women-s football to the Illawarra and Western Sydney communities.

“These two international friendly matches between the Westfield Matildas and China PR are a great example of Venues NSW and the FFA working together to provide elite football at international standard venues in NSW” said John Quayle, Chairman - Venues NSW

The Westfield Matildas are currently 8th in the FIFA Women-s World Rankings (as at 2 August 2013) whilst China PR is in 16th place.

These two teams have met each other on 33 previous occasions with China PR victorious, 2-1, in their last encounter at the EAFF East Asian Cup Qualifiers in Shenzen, China PR last year.

Tickets for both matches will be available for purchase from (Ticketek from 12pm Wednesday 18 September 2013.

Westfield Matildas Squad

Teigen Allen Western Sydney Wanderers FC Laura Alleway Brisbane Roar FC Nicola Bolger * Sydney FC Tameka Butt Brisbane Roar FC Kim Carroll Brisbane Roar FC Stephanie Catley Melbourne Victory FC Brianna Davey Melbourne Victory Lisa De Vanna Melbourne Victory FC Kathryn Gill Perth Glory FC Katrina Gorry Brisbane Roar FC Michelle Heyman Canberra United Elise Kellond-Knight Brisbane Roar FC Samantha Kerr * Sydney FC Clare Polkinghorne Brisbane Roar FC Hayley Raso Brisbane Roar FC Ashleigh Sykes Canberra United Nicole Sykes Canberra United Emily Van Egmond Western Sydney Wanderers FC Lydia Williams Canberra United Vedrana Popovic ** Brisbane Roar FC Amy Chapman ** Brisbane Roar FC

* First match only ** Second match only

Match Details

Westfield Matildas v China PR 24 November 2013 Kick-off: 3pm WIN Stadium, Wollongong (First match only broadcast live nationally on ABC1, 2.50pm AEDT)

Westfield Matildas v China PR 27 November 2013 Kick-off: 7pm Pirtek Stadium, Parramatta

Tickets for the two matches can be purchased at www.footballaustralia.com.au/tickets Ticket Prices Adult - $20 Concession - $12 Junior - $12 Family - $56

Family: 2 Adults + 2 Juniors or 1 Adult + 3 Juniors Concession: Person holding a current Aged, Seniors, War, TPI or Invalid Card. NO STUDENTS. Patrons must show ID upon request. Junior: 3-16 years (inclusive). 2 years & under free on knee.