Match preview: Westfield Matildas v Vietnam
The Westfield Matildas are two steps away from a berth at the 2020 Olympic Games and they can take a giant stride towards Tokyo when they play Vietnam on Friday night.
Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium is set to be bouncing as Ante Milicic’s side host their Asian Football Confederation rivals in the first match of a two-leg tie to decide who’ll punch their ticket to Japan.
After topping their group in the previous round of qualifying last month, Australia will be full of confidence for this one – especially with a huge sea of Green and Gold set to be behind them in the stands.
The Westfield Matildas will go all out for a strong result on home soil to take with them when they travel to Vietnam for the return leg on March 11.
And in a treat for local fans, the squad will hold an open training session on Wednesday, March 4, giving Green and Gold supporters the chance to see and meet the players in the flesh ahead of the huge home fixture.
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What they said
Westfield Matildas coach Ante Milicic
“[Vietnam] are a team that’s improved in the last couple of years, technically very good.
“From the footage we’ve seen more recently they will set up in a defensive mid-block, they will look to frustrate us and maybe catch us on the counter attack.
“So it’s important we stick to our playing style and game plan. We have to be patient and we have to wait for the right opportunities.
“The first leg being at home, it’s very important we do well, we don’t concede and we look to convert the chances we create.
“We know it will be a difficult opponent but, at the same time we focus on ourselves.
“The girls will be well prepared and confident in front of what’s starting to look like a good crowd in Newcastle. We will put on a good performance because the girls love playing at home and it’s an opportunity for the Australian public to come and see a good game.”
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World rankings
Australia: 7
Vietnam: 32
How to watch
You can watch the Westfield Matildas host Vietnam at McDonald Jones Stadium live on FOX Sports, Kayo Sports, and the My Football Live app.
Play will be also live on ABC iview (delayed on ABC TV). The match will also be streamed LIVE on YouTube for viewers outside of Australia and Vietnam
Tickets for the game at McDonald Jones Stadium can be purchased here.
You can follow all the build-up and live updates at Matildas.com.au, or on the Matildas’ Twitter, Facebook and Instagram pages.
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Australia v Vietnam (Home Leg)
Date: Friday, 6 March 2020
Kick-off: 6.30pm AEDT
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
Tickets: www.matildas.com.au
Broadcast: Live on FOX SPORTS, Kayo Sports, ABC iview (delayed on ABC TV) and the My Football Live App
The match will also be streamed LIVE on YouTube for viewers outside of Australia and Vietnam