Over the weekend, the CommBank Matildas announced two October friendlies against rivals Brazil in Sydney, the first matches to be played on home soil since March 2020
For players, coaches, fans, and every individual involved with the Commonwealth Bank Matildas, the homecoming announcement had been a long time coming. Over 18 months in fact, since Australia defeated Vietnam in Newcastle, to qualify for the Tokyo Olympic Games.
What has happened for our Commonwealth Bank Matildas since then?
New coach Tony Gustavsson was appointed, Australia qualified for its first Olympic semi-final and came within a goal of snatching its first Olympic medal. The last 18 months has also seen eight debutants, a new leading international goal-scorer and an Aussie invasion on European competition.
When the girls return in October, there will be a lot for supporters to catch up on.
Football Australia CEO James Johnson expressed his anticipation for October's friendlies against Brazil, while also highlighting the cooperation and effort that was required to get our beloved Commonwealth Bank Matildas back home.
We are delighted that Australian football has paved the way for international sport to be played in Australia under this new arrangement. -
“We have made it our priority to bring our national teams home for international football so this is a phenomenal outcome for Australian football and one which we have been working tirelessly towards behind the scenes"
MORE: The Commonwealth Bank Matildas to headline return of major events to NSW in October
For many European and North-American-based players who have spent more than 18 months away from Australia, the homecoming announcement culminated in a fair amount of emotion and a whole load of celebration.
Fittingly, the first home match for the newly-named Commonwealth Bank Matildas, will be played at the newly-named Commonwealth Bank Stadium in Parramatta. It's fair to say the new major partner for women's football, will be getting their worth when the team faces South American giants Brazil on the 23rd and 26th of October.
Matildas and footballing personalities have shown their excitement for the announced matches.
Aside from being the first match played in Australia for over a year and a half, the match will see Australia face arguably its greatest rival Brazil, with an intense and high-quality clash expected.
Australian fans have been incredibly patient over the last 18 months, in anticipation of their side's homecoming return. Having set their alarms for early morning matches and given their words of support from the other side of the globe, finally, supporters will be to witness their team back at home where they belong.
