Matildas opening clash with Brazil sold out

For the first time in their history, the Matildas have sold out a stand alone international fixture.

Two weeks in advance, the opening Australia v Brazil clash on 16 September at Pepper Stadium has seen all available tickets for the clash sell out.

“World-class performances by the Westfield Matildas to beat the USA, Japan and Brazil at the recent Tournament of Nations in the US have captured the attention of football fans around the world,” said Football Federation Australia CEO David Gallop.

Both nations have selected strong squads with the FIFA World Player of the Year nominee Sam Kerr headlining the Matildas while 5x FIFA World Player of the Year Marta headlines the Brazilian squad.

“We’re delighted to be able to partner with the New South Wales government to bring the Westfield Matildas and Brazil to Penrith and Newcastle so that local fans – and especially families with young players – can see some of the world’s best women playing locally. David Gallop

The second clash on 19 September has tickets still available with currently over 7,000 sold for the match in Newcastle. Tickets and information are available here http://matildas.footballaustralia.com.au/tickets.

“With the Westfield Matildas now ranked 6th in the FIFA world rankings, our intention to bid for the right to host the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023, and our Westfield W-League starting its 10th season later this year, women’s football in Australia has never been in better shape."

"When you combine that with the fact that women’s football is the fastest growing area of the sport at grassroots level you can understand why there is such intense interest in seeing our star players perform in less than two weeks from now.”

Both matches in the series will be broadcast live on Fox Sports and ABC TV.

MATIDAS SQUAD

GOALKEEPERS: Lydia Williams (Melbourne City / Houston Dash), Mackenzie Arnold (Brisbane Roar)

DEFENDERS: Steph Catley (Melbourne City / Orlando Pride), Ellie Carpenter (Canberra United), Clare Polkinghorne (Brisbane Roar), Alanna Kennedy (Orlando Pride), Caitlin Cooper (WS Wanderers), Gema Simon (Newcastle United / Avaldsnes IL), Laura Alleway (Melbourne Victory), Georgia Yeoman-Dale (Sydney FC)

MIDFIELDERS: Katrina Gorry (Brisbane Roar/ Vegalta Sendai), Elise Kellond-Knight (Turbine Potsdam), Emily van Egmond (Wolfsburg), Chloe Logarzo (Newcastle Jets / Avaldsnes IL), Tameka Butt (Klepp)

FORWARDS: Lisa De Vanna (South Melbourne), Caitlin Foord (Sydney FC / Vegalta Sendai), Emily Gielnik (Brisbane Roar / Avaldsnes IL), Sam Kerr (Perth Glory / Sky Blue FC), Hayley Raso (Portland Thorns)