The Matildas, highest-ranked nation in the event, will be facing world no.14 Norway in their first match.

LAST TIME THEY MET

Both teams have previously played each other five times (1W3L1D). The most recent meeting was at the group stages of 2011 World Cup where Australia clinched the win (2-1).

NORWAY

Norway participated in the Algarve Cup last year, but it served as a testing period for their newly-hired coach, Martin Sjögren.

They finished in 11th place out of 12 teams.

It has been a rebuilding year for the Scandinavians, especially after their disappointing run at the EURO 2017 and losing key players like Ada Hegerberg.

The new year saw Norway achieve small successes, winning friendlies against Scotland (3-0) and Iceland (2-1) last month.

AUSTRALIA

Australia, on the other hand, will be looking to build on their fantastic form from last year and extend their winning streak.

Most of the squad have just come off strong league seasons, and this will be their first game together since the China friendlies in November.

There will be key players missing, with the likes of Kyah Simon, Caitlin Foord, Emily Gielnik and Amy Harrison out due to injuries.

The depth of the Matildas squad will be tested again, but it also means more players will get the opportunity to gain precious game time.

KEY PLAYERS

Norway – Caroline Graham Hansen (Midfielder)

A former teammate of Emily van Egmond at Vfl Wolfsburg, Caroline Graham Hansen is a technically-gifted playmaker.

She is extremely lethal down the right wing, making smart runs on and off the ball.

Hansen is the most dangerous when lingering around the 18-yard box, so Australia will need to keep a close eye on her.

Australia – Tameka Butt (Midfielder)

Tameka Butt is a player most akin to the Norwegian style of play, having spent the majority of 2017 playing for Klepp IL in the Toppserien.

She had an outstanding season, amassing 14 goals and was nominated for two Toppserien awards - Midfielder and Player of the Year.

The Matildas will be counting on Butt and her experience when coming up against an unfamiliar Norway team.

WHAT TO EXPECT?

For Norway, this will be the first tournament since EURO 2017. They will be coming out strong and look to regain their foothold as a powerhouse of football.

Australia could have the upper hand if they are disciplined and quick in transition play, and try to catch the opposition’s defence out.

On the contrary, Norway could exploit the game if Australia get off to a slow start.

As both nations are relatively unfamiliar to each other, this will prove to be an interesting match-up.

MATCH DETAILS

Australia v Norway

Date: Wednesday, 28 February 2018

Venue: Albufeira Municipal Stadium, Albufiera, Portugal

Kick-off: 6:30pm (local) (5:30am, Thursday, 1 March 2018 AEDT)

Broadcast: Live on FOXSPORT 503

Norway

Goalkeepers: Ingrid Hjelmseth (Stabæk FK), Cecille Fiskerstrand (LSK Kvinner)

Defenders: Maria Thorisdottir (Chelsea LFC), Stine Petterson Reinås (Stabæk FK), Ina Gausdal (Kolbotn IL), June Pederson (Piteåv IF), Maren Mjelde (Chelsea LFC), Ingrid Moe Wold (LSK Kvinner), Elise Thorsnes (Canberra United/Utah Royals), Ingrid Ryland (Avaldsnes/Djurgården)

Midfielders: Kristine Minde (Linköpings FC), Frida Leonhardsen Maanum (Linköpings FC), Ingvild Isaksen (Juventus), Caroline Graham Hansen (Vfl Wolfsburg), Ingrid Marie Spord (LSK Kvinner), Anja Sønstevold (LSK Kvinner), Ingrid Syrstad Engen (LSK Kvinner), Vilde Bøe Risa (Arna-Bjørnar Fotball)

Forwards: Isabell Herlovsen (Jiangsu Suning), Emilie Haavi (LSK Kvinner), Synne Jensen (Stabæk FK), Lisa-Marie Utland (Røa IL), Kristine Leine (Røa IL)

Australia Squad

Goalkeepers: Lydia Williams (Melbourne City/Seattle Reign), Mackenzie Arnold (Brisbane Roar)

Defenders: Steph Catley (Melbourne City/Seattle Reign), Ellie Carpenter (Canberra United), Clare Polkinghorne (Brisbane Roar), Alanna Kennedy (Melbourne City/Orlando Pride), Laura Alleway (Melbourne Victory), Caitlin Cooper (Sydney FC), Hannah Brewer (Newcastle Jets)

Midfielders: Katrina Gorry (Brisbane Roar/Utah Royals), Elise Kellond-Knight, Emily van Egmond (Newcastle Jets/Orlando Pride), Chloe Logarzo (Sydney FC), Tameka Butt (Brisbane Roar), Alex Chidiac (Adelaide United)

Forwards: Lisa De Vanna (Sydney FC), Sam Kerr (Perth Glory/Chicago Red Stars), Hayley Raso (Brisbane Roar/Portland Thorns), Larissa Crummer (Melbourne City), Michelle Heyman (Canberra United), Rachel Lowe (Western Sydney Wanderers), Emily Condon (Adelaide United)