CommBank Matildas players, staff and officials were present in Sydney and Newcastle on Thursday morning as the Cup of Nations tournament was announced.
Football Australia CEO James Johnson began in Sydney by stating how excited he was for the year ahead.
“We fundamentally believe that the year 2023 will be the most exciting year of Australian football’s history,” he said.
“We are so excited that we will be bringing the CommBank Matildas back to Australia.
“We really tried to use this window to create a real insight so that the Australian community can see what the Women’s World Cup is going to look like when it hits our shores in July 2023.
New South Wales Minister for Sport, Alister Henskens, agreed.
“It’s a happy new year for football fans and everyone who loves the beautiful game,” he said.
“The Cup of Nations is going to allow us to come along the journey with the CommBank Matildas, their journey all the way to the world’s greatest tournament.
“I really want to thank Football Australia for partnering with the New South Wales government to deliver this tournament.”
He implored fans to get out to the games.
“What I would say to the people of New South Wales, and indeed Australia, is to come along the journey with the Matildas, and this is where the journey really begins into the World Cup.”
“It’s incredibly important to get involved and it’s going to be really exciting. I feel the excitement already.”
That excitement was echoed by CommBank Matildas head coach, Tony Gustavsson.
“I’m so happy to stand next to a football pitch again!” he exclaimed.
For him, this tournament is another step in the long-term preparation of his team, with the focus squarely on success at the World Cup.
“This tournament is about a rehearsal for the World Cup, in every aspect – what we do on the field, and in the stands,” he said.
“To see how we can unite and create that high octane energy football that we want to create. We want to see an attack minded team as always that press high, that attack in numbers, hopefully score more goals than the opponent.”
“Let’s have the loudest tournament we’ve ever had in terms of support from the stands, because then these players are going to be able to perform as they always do.”
Meanwhile, the announcement was welcomed in Newcastle as a win for regional New South Wales.
“It’s a great day for regional New South Wales today, particularly for the Hunter and Central Coast regions,” Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Taylor Martin said during the announcement.
“It’s going to be a great tournament.”
Football Australia’s Head of Women’s Football Sarah Walsh echoed that sentiment.
“These are really exciting times for Australia to be able to access the Matildas,” she said.
“The Women’s World Cup in July this year will see two billion people view the World Cup. We’re going to see 1.5 million people attend matches. This is Newcastle’s opportunity to send off the CommBank Matildas and let’s do it in style.”
CommBank Matilda Kyah Simon emphasised the importance of the Cup of Nations on building momentum for the World Cup.
“If we can gain some momentum, this will help our preparation in terms of building our confidence as a group, as a team, and as a country,” she explained.
“I think that’s going to be really important.”
Mel Andreatta, CommBank Matildas assistant coach, finished with a rallying cry to fans.
“Fill the stands, get behind your Matildas – we love being home and playing in front of our fans, our friends and our family – and it’s a World Cup year, people, let’s get started!”
2023 CUP OF NATIONS – MATCH SCHEDULE
Match Day One
Date: Thursday, 16 February 2023
Venue: Industree Group Stadium, Gosford, NSW
Match One: Spain v Jamaica – 4.10pm kick-off AEDT. Broadcast on Paramount+
Match Two: CommBank Matildas v Czechia – 7.10pm kick-off AEDT. Broadcast on 10 Bold, 10 Play and Paramount+
Tickets: https://premier.ticketek.com.au/
Match Day Two
Date: Sunday, 19 February 2023
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney, NSW
Match One: Jamaica v Czechia – 2.50pm AEDT. Broadcast on Paramount+
Match Two: CommBank Matildas v Spain – 6.00pm AEDT. Broadcast on 10 Bold, 10 Play and Paramount+
Tickets: https://premier.ticketek.com.au/
Match Day Three
Date: Wednesday, 22 February 2023
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle, NSW
Match One: Czechia v Spain – 2.30 pm kick-off AEDT. Broadcast on Paramount+
Match Two: CommBank Matildas v Jamaica – 7.10pm kick-off AEDT. Broadcast on 10 Bold, 10 Play and Paramount+
Tickets: https://www.ticketmaster.com.au/