The Westfield Matildas have touched down in France ahead of 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Following their final training session in Eindhoven on Wednesday morning, the squad travelled by bus to Valenciennes where they will face Italy in their tournament opener on Sunday night.
Upon arrival in Valenciennes, Australia’s players and staff were welcomed by members of FIFA’s Local Organising Committee as well as local Government officials.
The group also received gifts from local children, and witnessed a display from a French orchestra.
Hayley Raso, who is one of four Roar Women in the Westfield Matildas World Cup squad alongside Mackenzie Arnold, Katrina Gorry & Clare Polkinghorne said excitement was building ahead of their opening match.
“When we arrived we had a pretty great entrance, we had a band playing for us and our hotel is pretty incredible so it’s great to be here,” Raso said.
“I think with all of the special welcome it is exciting and it kind of makes you feel that you are here and you are ready to go,”
“Now that we are here we do focus on Italy and we all can’t wait to get out there and play.”
“We are hoping that everybody in Australia gets behind us and gets up and watches all our games, and hopefully we put on a good show for them.”
The Matildas World Cup opener against Italy kicks off at 9pm on Sunday night.
MATCH DETAILS
FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019 – Australia vs. Italy
Stade du Hainaut, Valenciennes, France
Sunday, 9 June 2019 – KO 1.00pm (local) – 9.00pm AEST
