Sports Desk
ISLAMABAD/MELBOURNE: The Matildas will play France in Melbourne six days before opening their home World Cup campaign, rounding out their preparations against another famous-five opponent to complement April’s away friendly against England.
Tony Gustavsson’s side would reunite at Marvel Stadium on July 14 for the traditional ‘send-off match’ before relocating to Brisbane, where they would base themselves throughout the group phase of the tournament proper, during which they would play the Republic of Ireland, Canada, and Nigeria.
The fixture is a coup and would present Sam Kerr and the team with the ideal chance to refine their game against the world No five-nation, albeit one without captain Wendie Renard and a few other high-profile names who have announced they would not play as divisions within French football deepen.
World Cup
France was beaten by eventual champions the United States (US) in the quarter-finals of their home 2019 World Cup but recently made the semi-finals of Euro 2022.
“France has been consistently one of the best nations globally with incredible quality across all parts of the game. It would be one final dare for us just days out from our World Cup opener,” Gustavsson said, calling the game “the essential final piece” of his team’s two-year preparations.
“Playing a big country and the World Cup contender in front of the large and vocal Melbourne crowd would not only provide the team with a send-off they would remember and be inspired by, but it would give us one final taste of what to expect just days later in our opening game against the Republic of Ireland.”
An announcement comes three days after Renard said she would not play at the World Cup because it is “important to preserve my mental health”. According to the report in French multimedia outlet RMC Sport, the eight-time European champion with Lyon would not play for the country team because the coach, Corinne Diacre, is in charge.
Merci pour votre soutien et le respect de ma décision. 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/MOryINwvb0
— Wendie Renard (@WRenard) February 24, 2023
Shortly after Renard’s comment, Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Kadidiatou Diani, who have made 114 appearances for France, voiced their support and announced they would be stepping down from the country team until changes are made.
France began their World Cup against Jamaica, whom Australia defeated 3-0 the previous week to win the Cup of Nations, following earlier victories against the Czech Republic and another factious European nation, Spain, during which they played some of their excellent football since Gustavsson took over.
The Matildas had not played France since an away 2-0 friendly loss in 2018.
