Australia’s favourite team, the Matildas, heading to Adelaide Oval for China clash

After a five-year absence, Australia’s most popular national sporting team is returning to South Australia.

Australia’s best-loved national sporting team, the Matildas, will play against China at Adelaide Oval in May, in one of their last hit-outs before heading to the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The May 31 game will be the first time the Matildas have played in Adelaide in almost five years, with expectations high the match will sell out Adelaide Oval. The team played to packed stadiums in Perth and Melbourne after the team’s thrilling run to the World Cup semi-final’s last year,

Premier Peter Malinauskas said the Matildas were “the hottest ticket in the country, so this is a significant coup for our state’’.

“The CommBank Matildas are an inspiration to young people across the country,’’ the Premier said.

Ellie Carpenter of the Matildas celebrates her goal during the AFC Women's Asian Olympic Qualifier match between Australia Matildas and IR Iran at HBF Park on October 26. Picture: James Worsfold/Getty Images

The profile of the Matildas and women’s football has surged since the 2023 World Cup, which was held in Australia and New Zealand. Adelaide’s Hindmarsh Stadium hosted four sellout matches including China v England, which was watched by 53.9 million people in China.

The Premier declined to reveal how much the state government paid to bring the game to Adelaide. The Matildas last game in Adelaide was in November 2019, when 10,342 fans watched a game against Chile at Hindmarsh Stadium.. The Adelaide Oval game could also be homecoming for former Adelaide United player and regular squad member Charli Grant, who plays for Tottenham Hotspur in England.

Sophia Tambakis was team captain for the U12 state team at just 11 years old, said it was “fantastic news that the Matildas will be playing in Adelaide’’.

Now 13, Sophia, who nominated Mary Fowler as her favourite player, plays midfield and defence for the Adelaide Comets in the Junior Premier League and has been fondly dubbed, “mini Bruce McAvaney” for her soccer commentary.

Matilda fans and local soccer players Paris Desyllas, Sophia Tambakis and Scarlett Grosso 12 are ready for the Matilda’s to play in Adelaide. Picture: Kelly Barnes

“It will showcase women’s soccer but also bring local enthusiasm for the sport while inspiring the next generation to want to play as well,’’ she said, “Adelaide fans I’m sure will bring their passion and create a brilliant atmosphere for the team.

“I can’t wait - go the Matildas!”

Football Australia chief executive James Johnson said the Matildas were on “an incredible streak of 12 sold out home matches with over 600,000 fans in attendance and millions watching the broadcast of these encounters’’.

One of the team’s star players Manchester City’s Mary Fowler has signed up as L’Oreal Paris’ latest ambassador.

The Aussie favourite captioned the photos, writing on Instagram how “grateful” she was to be a part of the L’Oreal Paris family.

Tickets for the Matildas game at Adelaide Oval go on sale on Friday. Tickets will start at $20 for juniors, $25 concessions, $35 adults, and a family ticket starting at $90.