Matildas set to edge out NRL for right to play first ever game at the new Sydney Football Stadium

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Sam Kerr Matildas

The Matildas are poised to be given the honour of playing the first ever game at the new Sydney Football Stadium when it opens next year. 

According to News Corp, Australia's women football team will likely edge out the NRL for the venue's debut match expected to take place in late August 2022. 

It would be a massive show of support for the Matildas ahead of the 2023 Women's World Cup which will take place across Australia and New Zealand. 

Brazil, the United States and a number of European countries are reportedly being looked at as possible opponents for the contest with FFA chief executive James Johnson revealing the green and gold are in the frame to land the stadium's first fixture. 

"Given the strength of the Matildas brand and the fact it’s in the lead-up to the World Cup, it would be a great opportunity," Johnson was quoted as saying.

The new Sydney Football Stadium will boast a capacity of 42,000 with the Matildas drawing a record crowd of 20,029 to a match played at Bankwest Stadium in late 2019 against Chile. 

After being grounded for a nearly a year due to COVID-19, Sam Kerr's side returned to international action in April but were handed heavy defeats at the hands of Germany and the Netherlands

With the Tokyo Olympics looming in late July, the Matildas recently locked in two June friendlies against Denmark and Sweden as they look to build some momentum ahead of the Games. 

"To open the June FIFA International Window with a match against Denmark is another important step in strengthening the team ahead of July,” coach Tony Gustavsson said. 

"Denmark is an excellent team with some world-class players and, like Sweden, will give us a different match style to compete against.

"There are only a few more opportunities to observe the squad in pressure situations against quality opposition and we want to make the most of these opportunities.

"Since we were last together in April, I have been excited about the progress many players have made at their clubs. This match will give us the ability to build on that club progress and the work we undertook in April.”

The Matildas have been drawn in a tough group for the Tokyo Olympics alongside New Zealand, Sweden and the United States. 

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