Matildas friendlies would boost interest in women's game

The Matildas’ World Cup campaign grabbed this nation by the collar and wouldn’t let go.

Never before has the women’s game enthralled Australians like the Canadian tournament did and our female team paid its nation back with a thrilling run to the quarter finals.

The Matildas train at Valentine Sports Park in the lead up to the World Cup. Credit: Football NSW

With this in mind, it’s high time the FFA gave the Matildas a chance to continue to build on the momentum garnered in the World Cup with some high profile friendlies. To this end, The Football Sack have come up with the four teams we’d love to see come to these shores.


United States of America

The best on the planet and world champions, what’s not to love about the stars and stripes making a journey down under? By playing the USA here, the Matildas could test themselves against the global benchmark in what would be a glorious display of attacking football. If one adds in the constant need this nation has to get one over the Americans in any sporting arena, it’s a proposition that’d appeal to any football fan.

Would the public pay to see Carli Lloyd chip the keeper from halfway again? You bet they would. Would they pay to see Elise Kellond-Knight pull the strings against the best midfield in the game? It’s almost certain.


England

There’s absolutely nothing quite like a sporting battle between England and Australia to get the local fanatics into top gear. With both teams making huge strides in the World Cup it’d be a tight battle that would capture the nation’s imagination, and an Australian win would have football fans in a frenzy.

As our closest cultural rival and evenly matched sides, this would be a fixture that’d surely grab the attention of both nations.


Japan

The Matildas’ continental rivals have been one half of some epic matches of late, most recently in the World Cup quarter final where the Japanese broke the hearts of a nation with a last-gasp one-nil win to send the Matildas packing. Before that they beat Australia in the Asian Cup final and have generally been a thorn in the side of Australian women’s football.

A visit from the Japanese would be a chance for revenge at home for the Matildas, and one that the public would be foolish to pass up.


France

The French, when on their game, are one of the best female football sides going around. Attacking, fluid play is as pleasing on the eye as football can be and in the World Cup they showed they can match the world’s best for 90 minutes with ease.

If the French were to make the voyage to Australia fans could expect to see a battle of attacking football which would please even the most ardent critics of the beautiful game, and would be a great test for our improving side.


Which team would you like to see come to Australia to take on the Matildas? Let us know on Twitter @Thefootballsack.