The Commonwealth Bank Matildas continue their preparations for next year's FIFA Women's World Cup, taking on Portugal for the fourth time.
After suffering a 7-0 defeat to Spain over the weekend, Australia are looking to regroup and refocus for their second friendly match in the June international window.
Taking on Portugal at Estádio António Coimbra da Mota, Estoril on Tuesday, 28 June (local) / Wednesday, 29 June (AUS) at 9.00pm (local) / 6.00am (AEST), here’s everything you need to know:
Background
Australia and Portugal will face one another for the fourth-time, with their last meeting coming back in the 2018 Algarve Cup, where the hosts won the third-place match 2-1.
Portugal are on the cusp of their second Women's EURO 2022 appearance, replacing Russia in Group C after they were suspended by UEFA. Portugal have a tough group at the Euros, taking on the defending champions, The Netherlands, in the group stage as well as the Olympic silver-medalists, Sweden.
Australia continues to challenge itself against world-class nations ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™ in just 13 months.
READ: How to watch CommBank Matildas v Portugal
Squad
Commonwealth Bank Matildas' head coach Tony Gustavsson called up a host of fresh faces to the 24-player squad to take on Spain and Portugal in the June FIFA International Window.
The roster includes 14 members of the squad that defeated New Zealand in the April series with several players in strong form. Midfielder Clare Wheeler was recently named the Fortuna Hjørring Player of the Year in a season where the Danish club claimed the Cup title and finished runners-up in the league.
San Diego Wave’s Emily van Egmond has been instrumental in their winning start to their inaugural NWSL season and Swedish-based duo Teagan Micah and Charli Grant assisted league leaders FC Rosengard in claiming the Swedish Cup title last month.
Meanwhile, the FIFA window will see goalkeeper Lydia Williams in line to become the first female Australian goalkeeper to reach 100 appearances for Australia.
Opponent
Currently ranked 30th in the world, Portugal will be looking to build on their past two wins over Greece heading into next month's Women's EUROs.
Portugal are continuing their qualification for next year's FIFA Women's World Cup in September, currently sitting in third in their group and still have a chance to qualify for their first-ever FIFA Women's World Cup.
Head coach Francisco Neto has called in a side with a wealth of experience, with five players having represented Portugal over 100 times, lead by captain Cláudia Neto.
Match details
Portugal v Australia
Date: Tuesday, 28 June (local) / Wednesday, 29 June (AUS)
Time: 9.00pm (local) / 6.00am (AEST)
Venue: Estádio António Coimbra da Mota, Estoril
Broadcast: Network 10, 10 Play and Paramount+