Matildas follow Socceroo footsteps on path to World Cup
The Matildas are firmly entrenched in preparations for next year's Women's World Cup, and have lined up Colombia as they look to address their future sooner rather than later.
The Matildas will face Colombia in two friendlies ahead of the 2023 Women's World Cup in Brazil, with the aim of giving younger players a chance to shine, as the Socceroos have done recently under coach Tony Popovic. Heather Garriock, Football Australia's executive director of football, revealed that coach Joe Montemurro's objective is to emulate Popovic's strategy of integrating young talent into the team.
The first match against Colombia is scheduled for November 28 in Canberra, with the date and venue for the second game yet to be determined. The Matildas, who finished fourth at the 2023 World Cup co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, are keen to set the team up for long-term success, given that many current players are nearing the end of their careers.
The young players who performed well at the recent World Cup in the United States, such as Nestory Irankunda and Lucas Herrington, have signed contracts with European teams. Chloe Lincoln, 21, believes that playing against top nations like Colombia will boost her confidence ahead of the Brazil tournament, and with more opportunities for local players in the A-League, the Matildas are building cohesion and preparing for the World Cup.
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