The Matildas will end their preparations for Rio 2016 with a bang as they take on host nation Brazil in a friendly on the 23rd of July.
Officially announced by the FFA earlier today, the match will provide invaluable experience for the Australians, taking place just days before the opening of their first fixture of the Oylmpics.
“Securing a match of this nature against Brazil in Fortaleza is a fantastic result for the Matildas and women’s football,” said Football Federation Australia CEO David Gallop.
“To be able to play against a fellow top ten team and the host nation of the Rio Games is a huge coup for the Matildas as they go for gold.”
Head coach Alen Stajcic is looking forward to testing his players against another team that will be a favourite to take home a games medal on their home turf.
“It’s good to be able to play such a high ranked team just 10 days out from the Games,” said Stajcic.
“That’s one of the reasons we’re preparing in Brazil, not only to acclimatise and train over there but also for opportunities like this. I’m really happy we’ve been able to lock this match in and it’s a really important part of our preparations.”
Brazil will no doubt be looking for revenge against Australia, after Stajcic’s side knocked them out in the round of 16 of last year’s Women’s World Cup.
The Matildas begin their Olympic campaign on the 3rd of August against Canada, with their group also containing Germany and Zimbabwe.
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