As the Westfield Matildas get set for their first match in Adelaide in 13 years, the South Australian Government has thrown their support behind Australia’s 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup bid.
South Australia became the third state – alongside NSW and Queensland – to fully get behind Australia’s quest to host the showpiece women’s football tournament.
Coopers Stadium – which will play host to the Westfield Matildas clash with Chile tonight (kick-off 8pm AEDT) will be the same venue that will be used should Australia win hosting rights for the 2023 tournament.
“We’ve been able to reach an agreement and an outcome that allows us to participate [in the bid] and we couldn’t be more excited,” South Australian Premier Steven Marshall said on Tuesday.
“Now we’re part of ‘Team Australia’ that is going for the bid for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“We’ve got the Matildas here tonight, they haven’t been in South Australia for 13 years and we’re super excited to have them here.”
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A big crowd is expected at Coopers Stadium tonight as South Australian fans get the chance to come out and support Ante Milicic’s side.
And they could see three local players in action in the Australian team, with South Australian contingent Emma Checker, Sarah Willacy and Jenna McCormick all a part of the squad.
Checker, who was in the crowd the last time the Matildas played in Adelaide in 2006, is delighted her home state is getting behind Australia’s bid.
“We’re all super excited that South Australia are on board and I thinks it’s [Coopers Stadium] a great venue for 2023,” she told reporters on Tuesday.
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“The atmosphere there is always unreal. It’s a boutique football stadium and it’s one of the very few that’s creates such a big atmosphere.
“[The World Cup] would be huge for Australia and women’s sport in general. It would be a once in a lifetime opportunity for something like this to be here so it’s something we all want to push for.”
Asked about the possibility of playing in front of her family and friends tonight, Checker said: “It’s a pretty surreal feeling, especially for us girls from Adelaide it’s something really special.
“I think we’re going to have a massive crowd and it’s really nice that South Australia have really got around supporting the game.
“It’s a really big time for all of us and I really hope we can put on a show for the crowd.”
The Westfield Matildas versus Chile game at Coopers Stadium kicks off at 7.30pm ACDT tonight. Tickets for the match are available on matildas.com.au/tickets
Westfield Matildas v Chile
When: Tuesday, 12 November, 2019
Where: Coopers Stadium, Adelaide
Kick-off: 8:00pm (AEDT), 7:30pm local
How to watch: Broadcast live on FOX Sports, Kayo, MyFootball Live App and ABC
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