Matildas to meet New Zealand in two-match home series in April
Having crashed out of the Asian Cup in the quarter-finals, the Matildas will return home in April for the next step on their journey to next year’s Women’s World Cup.
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Australia will return to action for the first time since its Asian Cup disaster with a two-match home series against FIFA Women’s World Cup co-host New Zealand in April.
Canberra’s GIO Stadium will host the second of the two games on April 12. It will be the Matildas’ first match in the nation’s capital since 2013.
A venue for the April 8 series opener is yet to be announced.
The Matildas haven’t played since their disappointing 1-0 Asian Cup quarter-final loss to South Korea in India in January.
“With only the (2023) FIFA Women’s World Cup … on the horizon, the complete focus for the next 12 months will be building a squad to compete on home soil,” Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson said.
“That preparation starts with these matches against our fellow co-hosts New Zealand, and we know they will provide a challenge that will help us learn more about the playing group.
“The April window is an opportunity for us to return to the pitch together in front of home supporters.
“We, as staff and players, are looking forward to playing before a new set of Australian fans in Canberra, who I am sure will welcome us warmly.”
The last time Australia and New Zealand met was at last year’s Tokyo Olympics, with the Matildas winning 2-1.
Matildas midfielder Chloe Logarzo, who is continuing her recovery from knee surgery after tearing her anterior cruciate ligament in September, said the two games against New Zealand would be a vital part of Australia’s Women’s World Cup preparations.
“Coming home after a really hard couple of years of Covid is exactly what the girls need in the lead up (to the World Cup),” Logarzo said.
“The best thing about playing New Zealand is we have so much history with them.”
ACT Sport and Recreation Minister Yvette Berry said: “I know Canberrans will be thrilled to join me in welcoming the Matildas back to our city.”
“We are excited to host international women’s football, as it’s a great boost for women’s sport in our region. The Matildas are a huge inspiration for our aspiring young female athletes in Canberra.”
Originally published as Matildas to meet New Zealand in two-match home series in April
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