Matildas set to meet Japan and New Zealand

Australia to play first matches in 10 months | TWG

The Westfield Matildas are set to take on World Champions Japan and traditional rivals New Zealand in a series of internationals this June and July.

For the Matildas it will be their first matches in close to 10 months and it presents an opportunity for Head Coach Tom Sermanni to blood some recent call ups to the National Team training camps.

"It has been some time in between games and it is important that we keep playing games and keep playing together," said Sermanni.

"When you look at picking international teams you select to, firstly, get a result, secondly, you are looking at giving players an opportunity and thirdly you have an eye to the future."

The two game New Zealand series will take place in late June against a NZ side preparing for the London Olympics. With as many as 10 Australian internationals currently plying their trade overseas, Sermanni will select a pre-dominantly home based Matildas squad.

"It is an opportunity for home based players to get international experience and a chance to have look at some yet untried players on the international scene."

"In reality of the 21 players that went to the World Cup last year, there will be 4 or 5 in the squad maximum."

The one off Japanese fixture is set to take place in Tokyo against the current World No 3 as they also commence final preparations to add Olympic Gold to their World Championship. For this fixture it is believed the "Overseas" Matildas will the available for selection with many of their leagues on hiatus due to the Olympics.

Kick off times for all matches are will be announced in the coming weeks.

The match in Tokyo will be played as a double header with the Japan U23 Men’s Olympic team playing New Zealand.

More information to come including an interview with coach Tom Sermanni