The Matildas will head into the Women’s World Cup knowing exactly where they stand among Europe’s elite after locking in a friendly clash with France as their final hitout before the tournament begins.
, it means Tony Gustavsson’s side will have faced two of FIFA’s top five-ranked teams in the months leading up to the World Cup – keeping with his long-standing aim of arranging the toughest possible schedule for the team.
“By the time we play France … Matildas will have played all top nine FIFA-ranked teams, they played Spain, they played United States, Canada, Sweden, France, Germany, they played them all. So with this match, the Matildas will enter the competition as the best prepared team in the world,” he said. Coach Corinne Diacre, who has been repeatedly criticised by French players over the years, is reportedly set to tender her resignation in response.
“It is disappointing for the players that have to make these sacrifices but at the same time, it’s about looking about the next generation. We want to improve things and collectively all the players around the world, we support each other.”“It’s a perfect opportunity for us to test just six days before our first World Cup game. I think being able to play in such a big stadium and use that stadium will really test some of the players,” said Kellond-Knight.
“A dynamic, technically brilliant team over the years, France have been consistently one of the best nations in the world with incredible quality across all parts of their game. It will be one final challenge for us just days out from our World Cup opener, said Gustavsson.
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