The Commbank Matildas squad for this month’s blockbuster match against Uzbekistan at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium has been unveiled, as the Australians seek to secure their spot at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos today joined Football Australia and the Commbank Matildas to announce the squad for the critical 28 February game being held in the nation’s sporting capital.
Made possible by the Allan Labor Government – fans were quick to secure tickets to one of the hottest sporting events in the country this year, with more than 45,000 tickets sold in two days when released last December.
The CommBank Matildas 23-player squad is headlined by captain Steph Catley alongside fellow Victorian Kyra Cooney-Cross and a raft of players returning from their current clubs in England, France, Sweden, the United States and around Australia.
This match will be the second in a series of two games that Australia and Uzbekistan will play against eachother in their fight to make it to the Paris Olympics, with the first round taking place on 24 February in Uzbekistan before the deciding match in Melbourne.
The match will be the only meeting between the two countries since 2007 where Australia took home the win.
Last year a record-breaking crowd of more than 50,000 fans watched the Matildas defeat France 1-0 at Marvel Stadium in the lead up to the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The Labor Government is making sure more women in sport have the facilities and training they need to succeed – delivering more than $42 million in the Home of The Matildas at La Trobe University in Bundoora.
From the record-breaking crowds at the Australian Open, to three sold out stadium shows for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour and Groundhog Day The Musical opening at the Princess Theatre, Melbourne’s major events calendar is off to an outstanding start in 2024.
In the months ahead, the momentum will continue with the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, Melbourne Fashion Festival, and Melbourne International Comedy Festival attracting more visitors to the city.
As stated by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos
“With the FIFA Women’s World Cup fresh in our minds – there couldn’t be a more exciting time to see the Matildas play in front of a packed Marvel Stadium.”
“We’re excited to welcome tens of thousands of Tillies fans into Melbourne for the match – filling our city’s hotels, bars and restaurants.”
As stated by Football Australia CEO James Johnson
“Over the past 12 months Australians have shown up for the CommBank Matildas in incredible numbers. This is another great chance to experience the unique atmosphere of a CommBank Matildas match and hopefully drive the team towards a historic qualification for Paris 2024™.”
