Westfield Matildas return to Newcastle for a stiff test against Chile

The Westfield Matildas continue their preparations for next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in France, as they host Chile at McDonald Jones Stadium on Tuesday, November 13. 

Australia’s recent tour of Europe proved to Alen Stajcic his team has the depth to compete with the world’s best. Some of the youngsters played out of their skin, giving Stajcic a selection dilemma for France 2019. 

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The omens bode well for Australia going into these friendlies against Chile. Brazil were the last South American outfit to visit Australia, and they were humbled 2-1 in Penrith and 3-2 at McDonald Jones Stadium.

On that day in Newcastle, Brazil went ahead in the first minute, before Sam Kerr’s brace, and Caitlin Foord’s instinctive finish sent the home crowd into raptures. 

Those victories over Brazil, along with Australia claiming the inaugural Tournament of Nations, turned over a new page in Westfield Matildas history.

Alen Stajcic's side announced themselves onto the world stage and made them a force to be reckoned with. 

Not that these games will be a walk in the park. José Letelier’s squad will be hungry for victory after recently succumbing to a 2-2 draw against South Africa in Santiago, and only scraping past them 2-1 a few days earlier. 

Chile also lost to the United States in September, conceding seven goals along the way and failing to register a single goal. There will no doubt be pressure on Los Chicas de Rojo to perform, so the Westfield Matildas better be ready for a fiery side. 

More than 16,000 fans packed into Newcastle to watch the Matildas dismantle Brazil. Are they ready for another strong showing?

Australia host Chile at McDonald Jones Stadium on Tuesday, November 13 at 7:30pm AEDT.