The Commonwealth Bank Matildas round out 2021 with a two-game series against the US Women’s National team in Sydney and Newcastle.
It is the two-time reigning FIFA Women’s World Cup champions’ first visit to Australia in 21 years. For the Aussies, these matches will be the team’s final hit out before the AFC Women’s Asian Cup kicks off in January 2022.
Here’s everything you need to know about this friendly series.
Background
Australia and the United States lock horns regularly, but 2021 has been filled with even more clashes than usual.
Two meetings at the Olympics, including the USWNT’s 4-3 win over Australia in the bronze medal match, have seen the US continue their strong record against the Commonwealth Bank Matildas.
In 31 meetings, Australia has only ever recorded one victory – a 1-0 win in Seattle during the 2017 Tournament of Nations courtesy of a Tameka Yallop goal.
The last five meetings between these sides include that maiden victory, two draws, and two USA wins. However, the two victories were 5-3 and 4-3 results, meaning the chance of a goal-fest is strong.
Both sides are in the process of bringing in new players and preparing for the future. In 2022 Australia and the United States will partake in their respective continental tournaments with the USWNT aiming to qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023.
READ: World Cup dress rehearsal excites CommBank Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson
These games in Australia against the co-hosts will provide invaluable experience. And the same can be said for the Commonwealth Bank Matildas who will aim to use these friendlies – particularly the one at Stadium Australia – as a dress rehearsal for a potential World Cup final in a few years' time.
Squad
These matches are Tony Gustavsson’s last chance to see his players up close before he must select a squad for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup.
As with many of his squads this year, there is a mix of youth and experience. Charlize Rule and Jessika Nash come in to the squad as the only uncapped members and could become the 13th and 14th Australian women to make their debuts this year.
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All in all, 12 players have fewer than 20 caps. Down the opposite end of the scale, Tameka Yallop is in line to make her 100th appearance in green and gold.
Currently sitting on 99 caps, Yallop can join Emily van Egmond, Kyah Simon, Sam Kerr, and Alanna Kennedy in notching up a century of appearances in 2021.
After missing the last window with injury, Emily Gielnik and Hayley Raso return to the fold. The former is also in line to mark a milestone; she is one game away from bringing up her half-century.
Opponent
The USWNT is bringing a new look squad Down Under. Fifteen of their 23-player squad has 20 or fewer caps for the United States.
While it is a squad that is missing some of the most recognisable names in women’s football, it is still a strong squad with an eye on the future.
With the CONCACAF Women’s Championship scheduled for 2022 – the continental tournament which doubles as FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifying – US coach Vlatko Andonovski is rebuilding the squad and bringing new players into the national team setup.
Some of the players selected will be very familiar to Australian fans with the likes of Abby Dahlkemper, Sofia Huerta, Emily Sonnett, Kristie Mewis, Ashley Hatch, and Lynn Williams all having spent time in what was the W-League.
Match details
Commonwealth Bank Matildas v U.S. Women’s National Team
Saturday, 27 November 2021
Venue: Stadium Australia, Sydney
Kick-Off: 3.00pm (AEDT)
Broadcast: Live and free on 10 and simulcast on 10 Play
Ticketing: www.ticketek.com.au
Commonwealth Bank Matildas v U.S. Women’s National Team
Tuesday, 30 November 2021
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Kick-Off: 8.05pm (AEDT)
Broadcast: Live and free on Network 10 and simulcast on 10 Play
Ticketing: www.ticketmaster.com.au