Sydney, March 05, 2024, The Europe Today: Football Australia (FA) officially announced on Tuesday that the Australian national women’s football team, the Matildas, is set to engage in friendly clashes with China’s formidable Steel Roses. The highly anticipated matches are scheduled for May 31 at Adelaide Oval and June 3 at Stadium Australia in Sydney, serving as a vibrant prelude to the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Having secured their qualification for the Olympics with an impressive 13-0 aggregate victory over Uzbekistan in February, the Matildas eagerly anticipate these encounters with China. The upcoming friendlies will mark a significant return for the Matildas to Adelaide, their first appearance in the city since 2019, and a rekindling of their rivalry with China since their 1-1 draw in Sydney in February 2020.
Football enthusiasts can expect thrilling matchups as the Matildas, known for their dynamic playing style, face the reigning Asian Cup champions. The friendlies hold added significance as they serve as send-off matches, fueling excitement and setting the stage for the Matildas’ quest for Olympic glory.
FA Chief Executive James Johnson expressed enthusiasm, stating, “As we have seen over the past 12 months, the Matildas are a box office entertainment juggernaut with an incredible streak of 12 sold-out home matches with over 600,000 fans in attendance and millions watching the broadcast of these encounters.”
The Premier of South Australia (SA), Peter Malinauskas, hailed the return of the Matildas to Adelaide as a significant achievement. “The Matildas are an inspiration to young people across the country, and it is exciting thousands of South Australians will have the opportunity to see them play live,” he remarked.
China’s Steel Roses, who had a memorable stint in Adelaide during the 2023 World Cup, will bring their competitive spirit to the matches. The encounter between these two powerhouse teams promises to captivate audiences, with Adelaide Oval accommodating over 50,000 spectators and Stadium Australia boasting a capacity of over 80,000.
As the Matildas embark on this exciting journey, the anticipation among fans and the broader sporting community is palpable, setting the stage for memorable clashes that will resonate in the lead-up to the Paris Olympics.
