Qantas Matildas to play Mexico at MCG

The Matildas will feature in an historic double header when they meet Mexico in an international match prior to the Socceroos v Greece match at the MCG on Thursday 25 May.

The Qantas Matildas will feature in an historic double header when they meet Mexico in an international match prior to the Socceroos v Greece match at the MCG on Thursday 25 May.

It will be the first ever appearance for the Qantas Matildas at the famous venue and will be important preparation for the team prior to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women-s Championships to be held in Adelaide in late July.

The match will kick off at 4.30pm with the Socceroos to meet Greece at 7.30pm in what will be the only match for the team in Australia prior to departing for the FIFA World Cup in Germany.

It will be the first outing on home soil for the Qantas Matildas since the home series against China in December, and for coach Tom Sermanni (pictured above) it will be vital preparation for the AFC Women's Championship which will double as qualifiers for the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup in China.

"This match is vital preparation for the tournament in Adelaide with Mexico a very accomplished opponent," said Sermanni.

"The players have spent a lot of time in camp in recent months and it's important to test ourselves against international opposition in a match environment.

"The fact that the team will be playing on on the hallowed turf that is the MCG, and will be part of the excitement of the Socceroos heading off to the FIFA World Cup, ensures this will be a special occasion for all the players."

The two nations have met on four occasions with Australia winning three and Mexico winning one match. Australia are currently ranked 15th and Mexico 26th.