Women’s WC 2023: Australia v France friendly will reveal all we need to know about Matildas

Australia’s pre-World Cup friendly with France will be anything but amicable as the Matildas repare for brutal selection decisions, writes Robbie Slater.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 13: Matildas head coach Tony Gustavsson speaks to the media during an Australia press conference at Marvel Stadium on July 13, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Forget the “friendly” tag being placed on the Matildas’ clash with France at Marvel Stadium on Friday night, with the match set to be anything but benign such is its importance so close to the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The Matildas haven’t played in three months, with this game representing the only chance in terms of a genuine contest to get their house in order before their first World Cup match next Thursday against Ireland at Stadium Australia.

Barring any injury concerns, Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson should field the starting 11 he intends to use against the Irish, particularly because the game is against a French team with a genuine chance of winning the World Cup.

Matildas head coach Tony Gustavsson appears to have settled on his preferred starting lineup. Picture: Getty

It’s better to find out before the tournament if there’s a player who’s going to struggle against top opposition rather than too late.

In terms of publicity for the World Cup, this game is also vital.

Yes, people know the tournament is about to start and ticket sales have been encouraging, but the Australian public will quickly realise just how big the event is going to be when the Aussies meet the French in front of a sell-out crowd.

With Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson vowing his side would play with an “in your face” style, an entertaining clash looms and one perhaps with a handful of goals.

Expect the Australians to adopt a 4-4-2 formation, with Sam Kerr and Caitlin Foord to play as twin strikers.

The pair worked well in tandem at the Cup of Nations in February, with Kerr liking the space she’s afforded by Foord wanting to come to the ball.

Sam Kerr (C) holds the key to Australia’s hopes, but in Caitlin Foord (L) she’s found the perfect foil. Picture: Getty

This is likely to mean that the hugely talented Mary Fowler will have to settle for a spot on the bench and a game-breaking role late in the match.

As for the rest of Australia’ starting team, it seems relatively straight forward.

Hayley Raso and Tameka Yallop should occupy wide roles, while Kyra Cooney-Cross and Katrina Gorry loom as the central midfield combination.

A back four of fullbacks Ellie Carpenter and Steph Catley, and central defenders Clare Polkinghorne and Clare Hunt seems likely.

Between the posts, it’s Mackenzie Arnold who deserves the spot ahead of the squad’s other two goalkeepers Lydia Williams and Teagan Micah.

Ellie Carpenter will be part of an experienced back four for Australia. Picture: Getty

That leaves a lot of talent on the bench, including attacking weapon Kyah Simon, who like Fowler, looms as a wildcard and potential match-winner if Gustavsson needs an immediate impact from his substitutes.

The Matildas are likely to play on the counter-attack as is the norm when they meet a team that relies on a possession-based game, such as France.

And that’s fine, with the Australian squad containing a host of quick players that can hurt opponents with their speed and directness of play.

The French will provide a stern test for the Australians, which is exactly the purpose of this match.

By the end of the 90 minutes, hopefully we’ll have more answers than questions about the Matildas’ World Cup hopes.

Originally published as Women’s WC 2023: Australia v France friendly will reveal all we need to know about Matildas