Westfield Matildas to play Chile in two-match series in November

The Westfield Matildas will play their first matches on home soil since the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019TM when they face Chile in a two-match series in November, with the games to be played at Bankwest Stadium, Parramatta, and Coopers Stadium, Adelaide.

Head Coach Ante Milicic welcomed confirmation that his team will take on the rising South American nation as Australia begins to set its sights on qualification for next year’s Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

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“It is fantastic that we have been able to secure these international friendlies at Bankwest Stadium on the 9th of November and Coopers Stadium on the 12th,” Milicic said.



“Chile performed admirably in a difficult group at this year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in France and will provide a strong challenge for us as we seek to develop as a unit leading up to our Tokyo 2020 Olympic Qualifiers which commence in February next year.”



The Westfield Matildas will become the first Australian national football team to grace Bankwest Stadium, and Football Federation Australia (FFA) Chief Executive David Gallop AM acknowledged the support of the NSW Government in bringing the game to life.



“The NSW Government and Destination NSW have backed FFA to deliver a premier Westfield Matildas event in the State, and we are sure that this will be the first of many successful national team matches that Bankwest Stadium will play host to over the comings months and years,” Gallop said.

NSW Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney, Hon Stuart Ayres MP, believes Bankwest Stadium will be a perfect venue for the match.



“Western Sydney truly is a powerhouse for tourism and major events, and this has only been strengthened since the new world-class Bankwest Stadium opened earlier this year,” Mr Ayres said.



“Major sporting events play a vital role in attracting visitors to our wonderful Harbour City, and what better place to host an international friendly than right in the heart of Western Sydney.”

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Meanwhile, the Westfield Matildas will return to Adelaide for the first time since the 2006 AFC Women’s Asian Cup Final, and Milicic explained that his squad and staff are delighted with the prospect of playing an international fixture in South Australia for the first time in over a decade.



“In my time as Head Coach of the Westfield Matildas we have played fixtures in New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria, so it is great that our team will now have the opportunity to play in front of passionate fans in South Australia,” he said.



Gallop thanked the South Australian Government for backing the match and added that the fixture ought to serve as welcome news for Matildas supporters in the State.



“We’re delighted that the Westfield Matildas will be playing in South Australia this year and commend the South Australian Government for supporting what will be an entertaining international contest at Coopers Stadium.”



“The Westfield Matildas, like the Caltex Socceroos, belong to the people of Australia, so it is fantastic that we have been able to take this match to Adelaide as we continue to work on our bid to host the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia in 2023,” he said.

South Australia Premier Steven Marshall MP said securing the match is a coup for the state’s sporting scene.

“This is thrilling news for our state. We are finally going to have the Matildas back in South Australia, playing in front of a packed Coopers Stadium,” said Premier Marshall.

“This team is inspiring young women around the nation, and it’s fantastic that we’ll have another opportunity to see some world-class football right here in our state.”

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Upcoming Matches – Westfield Matildas

Westfield Matildas v Chile

Date: Saturday, 9 November 2019

Venue: Bankwest Stadium, Parramatta

Kick-off: 3.00pm (AEDT)

Tickets: Football Family on sale 11am (AEST) Tuesday, 3 September 2019; General Public on sale 11am (AEST) Thursday, 5 September 2019 – visit matildas.com.au for details

Broadcast: Live in Australia on FOX SPORTS, Kayo Sports, and via the My Football Live App, Live Fast and Data Free for Telstra mobile customers

Westfield Matildas v Chile

Date: Tuesday, 12 November 2019

Venue: Coopers Stadium, Adelaide

Kick-off: 7.00pm (ACDT); 7.30pm (AEDT)

Tickets: Football Family on sale 11am (AEST) Tuesday, 3 September 2019; General Public on sale 11am (AEST) Thursday, 5 September 2019 – visit matildas.com.au for details

Broadcast: Live in Australia on FOX SPORTS, Kayo Sports, and via the My Football Live App, Live Fast and Data Free for Telstra mobile customers