The Matildas have learned their opponents for the upcoming Summer Olympics in Rio de Janiero.
The draw was made in Rio on Thursday night and concluded that the Australians will face Canada, Germany and Zimbabwe in August.
After missing out on the past two installments of the compeition, it will be the Matildas’ third appearance at the Olympics.
A total of 12 teams will compete divided into three groups, with typically the top two guaranteed progression, as well as the two best third placed teams advancing to the quarter-finals.
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It will prove to be a interesting task for Australia going up against powerhouse Germany, who are currently ranked second in the world. Canada is also an even match-up for Alen Stajcic’s side.
The Matildas coach welcomed the challenges they will come up against in Rio and acknowledged the progress they made at the qualifying tournament in Japan.
“It’s an exciting draw playing Canada first up and then another top ten team in Germany before facing Zimbabwe,” Stajcic said.
“It’s a very exciting group and we know that if we play to our potential we can be really competitive.”
“We have taken some significant steps forward in the past 12 months and we will head to Rio with a real belief that we can challenge for medals.”
The group games will be played over three day turnarounds.
Schedule
Wednesday 3rd August: Canada vs Australia (Corinthians Arena, Sao Paulo)
Saturday 6th August: Germany vs Australia (Corinthians Arena, Sao Paulo)
Tuesday 9th August: Australia vs Zimbabwe (Fonte Nova Arena, Salvador)
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