With the Matildas set to kick-off their Algarve Cup campaign on early Friday morning, The Women’s Game is here to give you a crash course in the competition.
There are 12 teams in the 2018 edition of the tournament.
Host nation Portugal is in Group A with China PR, Norway and Australia while Canada, South Korea, Russia and Sweden in Group B and Netherlands, Japan, Denmark and Iceland in Group C.
History at the Algarve
Last year the Matildas just missed out on silverware, placing fourth behind Denmark, Canada, and Champions, Spain.
While Australia topped their group a loss to Sweden in the first game of the tournament saw them in the third-place match where they eventually lost in a penalty shootout to Denmark.
This is the highest Australia has finished in the Algarve Cup since their first and only appearance in 1999 where they came fifth.
In 1999, Australia didn’t win a game and managed draws against Denmark and Portugal before a 2-0 loss to eventual Champions China.
How the Matildas look this year
Australia is currently the highest ranked competitor in Group A and at the Algarve Cup.
The Matildas always want to win trophies and with their performance in 2017, it would suggest they are on the way to achieving their goals.
Unfortunately, heading into the Algarve Cup the Matildas were hit with injuries to Caitlin Foord, Kyah Simon and Amy Harrison during the W-League season and then Emily Gielnik prior to leaving for Portugal.
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