We’re under way here after rousing reception for Tillies
We’re off and running here in Newcastle, and the big crowd is pumped after the national anthems and fireworks. They’ll be hoping the home team can provide some pyrotechnics of their own.
The Matildas head to the sheds after completing their warm-up.Credit: Getty Images
Familiar face in the crowd
The fans would no doubt rather she was on the pitch, but Sam Kerr will be a face in the crowd supporting her Tillies teammates tonight. The inspirational skipper is still recovering from a knee reconstruction, but she’ll no doubt be busy signing autographs and posing for selfies with her adoring supporters.
Sam Kerr in the crowd at Newcastle.Credit: Getty Images
Will it be Tom Sermanni’s last game as coach?
Tom Sermanni has been at the helm of the Tillies since late last year in an interim capacity, and Football Australia must be getting close to announcing a full-time appointee. John Aloisi is reportedly a leading candidate for the role. Whoever gets the gig will presumably be keeping a close eye on proceedings tonight.
Tom Sermanni has been in charge of the Matildas on an interim basis.Credit: Getty Images
Who’s your tip?
Team news: Mary Fowler reinstated in starting team
Matildas coach Tom Sermanni has reinstated superstar Mary Fowler to his starting line-up, after using her off the bench in last week’s 1-0 win. Other changes to the run-on team include a promotion for Newcastle midfielder Clare Wheeler and an opportunity for Teagan Micah in goal, in the absence of injured Mackenzie Arnold.
Australia’s starting team is Teagan Michah, Courtney Nevin, Clare Wheeler, Steph Catley (c), Emily van Egmond, Mary Fowler, Tameka Yallop, Alanna Kennedy, Holly McNamara, Charlotte Grant, Kyra Cooney-Cross.
Mary Fowler returns to the starting side for Australia.Credit: Getty Images
Welcome, Matildas fans
Good evening, Matildas fans. Welcome to our live coverage of tonight’s friendly between Australia and South Korea, in which the Matildas will be hoping to complete a clean sweep, after Friday night’s 1-0 against the same opponents. A 25,000-plus crowd is expected at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle, which will be a ground record for the women’s national team. Punters are already streaming through the turnstiles.
The Matildas are hoping to complete a clean sweep against South Korea.Credit: Getty Images
