Slater: Why Australia’s France ‘friendly’ is so vital

Slater: Why Australia’s France ‘friendly’ is so vital

The Matildas haven’t performed in three months, with this sport representing the one likelihood when it comes to a real contest to get their home so as earlier than their first World Cup match subsequent Thursday towards Ireland at Stadium Australia.

Barring any damage considerations, Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson ought to discipline the beginning 11 he intends to make use of towards the Irish, notably as a result of the sport is towards a French group with a real likelihood of successful the World Cup.

It’s higher to seek out out earlier than the match if there’s a participant who’s going to battle towards high opposition reasonably than too late.

In phrases of publicity for the World Cup, this sport can be important.

Yes, folks know the match is about to begin and ticket gross sales have been encouraging, however the Australian public will rapidly realise simply how huge the occasion goes to be when the Aussies meet the French in entrance of a sell-out crowd.

With Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson vowing his facet would play with an “in your face” fashion, an entertaining conflict looms and one maybe with a handful of targets.

Expect the Australians to undertake a 4-4-2 formation, with Sam Kerr and Caitlin Foord to play as twin strikers.

The pair labored nicely in tandem on the Cup of Nations in February, with Kerr liking the house she’s afforded by Foord wanting to come back to the ball.

This is more likely to imply that the vastly proficient Mary Fowler must accept a spot on the bench and a game-breaking position late within the match.

As for the remainder of Australia’ beginning group, it appears comparatively straight ahead.

Hayley Raso and Tameka Yallop ought to occupy extensive roles, whereas Kyra Cooney-Cross and Katrina Gorry loom because the central midfield mixture.

A again 4 of fullbacks Ellie Carpenter and Steph Catley, and central defenders Clare Polkinghorne and Clare Hunt appears possible.

Between the posts, it’s Mackenzie Arnold who deserves the spot forward of the squad’s different two goalkeepers Lydia Williams and Teagan Micah.

That leaves loads of expertise on the bench, together with attacking weapon Kyah Simon, who like Fowler, looms as a wildcard and potential match-winner if Gustavsson wants an instantaneous affect from his substitutes.

The Matildas are more likely to play on the counter-attack as is the norm once they meet a group that depends on a possession-based sport, reminiscent of France.

And that’s advantageous, with the Australian squad containing a number of fast gamers that may damage opponents with their pace and directness of play.

The French will present a stern take a look at for the Australians, which is strictly the aim of this match.

By the tip of the 90 minutes, hopefully we’ll have extra solutions than questions in regards to the Matildas’ World Cup hopes.

Originally revealed as Women’s WC 2023: Australia v France pleasant will reveal all we have to find out about Matildas

Source: www.news.com.au