 |
|
Australian women to meet US and Mexico next month [Tue Sep 13th, 2005]
The Matildas will embark on a three-match tour of the USA next month, playing international matches against the USA and Mexico, as they continue preparations for the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup qualifying tournament, to be held next year.
Australia will confront reigning Olympic champions USA in Fullarton, California, then play a second international against Mexico in El Paso, Texas three days later, before a third tour match against an opponent yet to be confirmed.
The US, who are currently ranked second in the world, have long been regarded as one of the premier nations in women's football, winning the FIFA Women's World Cup in 1999 and the gold medal at the 2004 Olympic Games.
The two nations most recently met in last year's Olympics, with the Matildas securing a memorable 1-1 draw on the way to a quarter-final berth. It was a historic result for Australia, being the first occasion the team had avoided defeat against the USA in 17 encounters.
The Matildas toured Mexico last year as part of their Olympic Games preparation, recording a win and a loss in the two matches. The only other encounter between the two nations saw a 2-0 victory for Australia in 2003.
AAP
News headlines from around the world.