The Matildas will complete their FIFA Women’s World Cup preparations with a blockbuster send off match against France at Marvel Stadium on Friday, 14 July.
Fans can expect an amazing game with the world number five ranked French team competing on Bastille Day, France’s national day, and the Matildas playing in front of a passionate home crowd.
It will be the last match for both teams before kicking off their FIFA Women’s World Cup campaigns a week later.
The Matildas will be back in Melbourne for their crucial final group game on Monday, 31 July against Canada at AAMI Park, one of six matches to be held at the venue during the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
As part of the pre-FIFA Women’s World Cup training window, the Matildas will spend a week preparing for the farewell match at the new ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ of the Matildas at La Trobe University’s Bundoora campus – which was delivered by the Andrews Labor Government.
The ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ of the Matildas will be a ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Centre of Excellence for aspiring female footballers and provide a lasting legacy for the game in Australia, as part of the $116 million La Trobe University’s Sports Park Stage 3 redevelopment.
The state-of-the-art facility will be the long-term training base for Football Australia’s women’s national teams with more than 600 hours of training per year.
Local football clubs will have access to the centre’s pitches and community level training and programs. La Trobe University students will use the facility as part of the world-class sport industry placement program.
Victoria will play a major role at the FIFA Women’s World Cup across July and August with Canada, Jamaica and Morocco all to train at team base camps across Melbourne. The four nations who qualify for the two Round of 16 matches at AAMI Park will also train in Melbourne in the lead-up to their games.
The match will be another marquee event for Marvel Stadium, which continues to successfully host major events during the $225 million redevelopment – backed by the Labor Government.
As stated by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos
“We’re backing the Matildas and aspiring footballers by providing state of the art facilities to support women’s football across Victoria.”
“The Matildas‘send off match is another blockbuster major event in Melbourne, providing an opportunity for Victorians to see elite sport in their own backyard.”
As stated by Football Australia CEO James Johnson
“This is an incredible opportunity for the Australian and Victorian fans to attend a final match and fully experience a FIFA Women’s World Cup atmosphere before the tournament starts six days later.”
“To be able to witness our iconic national team in one of the world’s most iconic sporting cities will be a truly special occasion not to be missed.”
