Matildas kick off against Iran in Perth olympic qualifiers

Murdoch University, Craig Duncan

Australie_Team_(Women_World_Cup_France_2019)

Perth can expect to be transformed into an international hub for woman’s football, as teams from across Asia descend on the state in October.

The Matildas are set to face off against the teams of IR Iran, Philippines, and Chinese Taipei as part of the qualifying rounds for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

Perth’s HBF park will host the 6 international matches from October 26th to November 1st.

Captained by WA’s own Sam Kerr, this will be the second time Perth has hosted the Matildas.

In 2018 they debuted to WA, playing a friendly match against Thailand, which brought over 7,500 fans to the stadium.

This will be the first-ever competitive international women’s match hosted in Perth.

“To be able to come home again, with my teammates will be a really special moment,” Matildas captain Kerr said, in a statement.

The matches make up part of the round two qualifying matches for the Asian region, with other qualifying matches taking place in China and Uzbekistan.

The winners, and best-ranked runner up from these round two matches in Perth, China and Uzbekistan will advance to the third and final round of the qualifying tournament, next February.

The overall winning teams will take the two spots reserved for Asia in the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament, at the 2024 Paris Olympic games.

12 national teams from 6 continental confederations will compete overall.

Tourism Minister, Roger Cook said this will be an excellent opportunity to showcase the state to a global audience.

“Events like these Olympic qualifiers, cements WA’s reputation as one of the sporting capitals of the Southern Hemisphere,” Mr Cook said.

In a statement, Football Australia CEO James Johnson said, “Perth is set to witness some of the world’s best footballers right on their doorstep.”

Premier Mark McGowan said he welcomes The Matildas, for three ‘huge’ days of football in Perth.

These qualifying matches will follow five FIFA Women’s World Cup matches, held in Perth Rectangular Stadium, in July and August.

“The dust will have barely settled on Perth’s FIFA Women’s Wo matches when the eyes of the world once again fall on Western Australia,” Premier McGowan said.

The government hopes for a large reception from international tourists.

Tickets will be available soon on The Matildas website, www.matildas.com.au.