By Harry Awurumibe, Head, Abuja Bureau
Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) Women’s World Cup defending champion, United States of America (USA) will next Friday kick start five international friendly matches to put her women’s national soccer team in better shape to retain the cup this summer in France.
The three- time winner of the FIFA trophy will start the last phase of their preparation for the world football fiesta with a crunch test against the Australian women’s senior football team, Matildas in the states on Friday, April 5.
The match slated for Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in the State of Colorado will see both countries feature their best legs while giving some rockies the opportunity to break into the final team to the World Cup. For instance, Australian team Head Coach, Ante Milicic has revealed that he will take five new players to USA match to give them a chance to prove that they deserve to be included in the final list for the world cup.
Among the players are two experienced Matildas- Katrina Gorry, Chloe Logarzo and youngster Mary Fowler as well as uncapped duo, Elizabeth Ralston and Teagan Micah.
Meanwhile, USA will three days after facing Australia host Belgium women’s football team on April 8 before returning with three more games in May against South Africa on May 12, New Zealand on May 17 and a Send- Forth Match against neighbours, Mexico on May 26 before flying out to France.
In France, USA will tackle Thailand on June 11, Chile on June 16 and Sweden on June 20 in the Group stage.
