The Matildas on Friday night (8.10pm AEST) begin a two-match friendly series against reigning Asian Cup champions China in a crucial preparation for the upcoming Olympics.
The Matildas host world number 19 China at Adelaide Oval on Friday night then again in Sydney on Monday at Accor Stadium.
And with places in the Australian squad for the Paris Olympics limited – each team can take just 18 players, along with four injury/illness emergency replacements – these two matches are the players’ last chance to earn their spot.
Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson said “roughly 14 or 15” spots in Australia’s Olympics squad were “locked in”, though there’s a “question mark” over whether hard-running midfielder Katrina Gorry will be available, after missing this squad due to an ankle injury.
“The other (three or four) spots are up for grabs and there’s a lot of players competing for them – that’s the tough part,” Gustavsson said.
“The worst part about being a head coach is having to tell someone at the end of the week that they’re not going to be part of the Olympics.
“We’ve had almost four years to prepare for this in terms of understanding the players you have. I’ve had this team for a long time now.
“The game (on Friday) is a massive step into preparation for the Olympics and not just from an individual selection standpoint but also for the team preparing.
“We don’t have that many games left to prepare for the Olympics.”
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