Lisa De Vanna in action against China in the 2010 Asian Cup | (Credit: Paul Lau) Lisa De Vanna in action against China in the 2010 Asian Cup | (Credit: Paul Lau)

The Matildas are set to take on China in a two game series this November stated Head Coach Hesterine de Reus on Radio Australia .

Last week the AFC announced that the 2014 Asia Cup would take place in Vietnam with the tournament, that doubles as a World Cup qualifier, running from 14 - 25 May 2014 in Ho Chi Minh City.

Speaking with Geraldine Coutts on Radio Australia, de Reus mentioned that the friendlies with the Steel Roses are part of an increased friendly schedule for Australia in the lead up to their Asian Cup title defence.

"2013 is an empty year, there is no championship, but still they [the FFA] offered the Matildas a good amount of friendly matches," said de Reus.

"We have China coming up in November, so in a year that there is no qualification at all we have three games in Europe, we play China twice , we have New Zealand twice."

De Reus also hinted that the Matildas will return to Europe early next year to continue their Asian Cup preparations with matches in the Cyprus Cup.

A relatively new invitational women's football tournament (six editions held), the Cyprus Cup takes place in early March in Cyprus.

Although it is not the premier invitational tournament, the long running Algarve Cup holds that distinction, the Cyprus Cup has seen France (No. 5), Canada (No. 7), England (No. 7), Italy (no. 12), the Netherlands (No. 14), Korea Republic (No. 16) and New Zealand (No. 20) compete.

"We can join the Cyprus Cup as a leading up for the Asian Cup."

"So I think next year we will also have a good program so that is a small step in the right direction."

Australia take on New Zealand tomorrow (13 June) in a closed door game before lining up again on 16 June at McKellar Park.