The Matildas will renew their rivalry with Olympic champions Canada as they wrap up the important 2023 tournament in Vancouver.
Having faced the Canadians in a two-game series in Australia in September 2022 – both won by the visitors – the Matildas again played the world No. 6-ranked team in the group stage of this year’s World Cup.
In one of the tournament’s performances, Tony Gustafsson’s side cruised to a 4-0 win in Melbourne – thanks to a brace from Hayley Raso and goals from Mary Fowler and Steve Catley – to take top spot in Group B and into the last 16. 16 confrontation with Denmark.
The two teams will meet again to close out the year, with the Matildas spending the final international window of 2023 at a training camp in British Columbia before taking on the Canadiens in Victoria and Vancouver.
“This has been a fantastic year for the Matildas,” Football Australia chief executive James Johnson said in a statement on Tuesday.
“The team has smashed ceilings and set new standards, changing the Australian sporting landscape forever.
“Football Australia and the Canadian Football Association have developed a strong relationship over the past two years, and we thank (Canada) for their cooperation in providing our two countries with world-class opposition.”
In addition to serving as preparation for qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics, the games will also bring down the curtain on the career of Christine Sinclair, Canada’s all-time leading international scorer.
Sinclair, who scored 190 goals in 327 games for Canada, announced her retirement last week but will play for the Portland Thorns in the National Women’s Soccer League next season.
“Competing against a top team in Australia will be crucial in our preparations before the 2024 Paris Olympics,” Canada coach Bev Priestman said.
“And of course, it will be a wonderful occasion in Vancouver to celebrate Christine’s historic career in her hometown.”
Canada vs. Matildas
Friday, December 1: Starlight Stadium, Langford, BC (2:30 p.m., December 2 EST)
Tuesday, December 5: BC Place, Vancouver, BC (2 p.m., December 6 EST)
– With Reuters
