Matildas opponent revealed as preparations ramp up
The match against Wales has been scheduled for October 25 in Cardiff, with the Matildas to also face a yet-to-be-determined opponent later in the window.
It remains to be seen whether superstar striker Sam Kerr, who hasn't played since tearing her ACL in January last year, will be made available for the games.
Wales are currently ranked 32nd in the world, and although they've never qualified for the women's World Cup before, they did make it through to this year's women's Euro competition.
The Matildas only have two more international windows before they kick off their Asian Cup campaign against the Philippines in Perth on March 1.
New coach Joe Montemurro was missing a host of the side's biggest stars during his first set of games in charge of the Matildas earlier this year.
Australia were lucky to escape with an error-riddled 3-0 win over world No.38 Slovenia in Montemurro's first game at the helm, and it was followed up by a 1-1 draw against the same opponents.
Alarm bells were ringing when the Matildas slumped to a shock 1-0 loss to world No.56 Panama, and Australia were 1-0 down in the re-match before a Michelle Heyman brace and Charli Grant's 91st-minute goal rescued a 3-2 win.
Montemurro says the game against Wales is a crucial step for the team in laying down the foundations for the next phase of the Matildas' journey.
"We are looking to make the most of the next few FIFA Women's International windows and Wales is the perfect test for the team as we have never played them before and they are a competitive side that will test our style of play," Montemurro said.
"It is important that we make the most of every opportunity together, to continually build on the relationships we are forming and setting high standards to enhance our high-performance environment."
The Matildas will ramp up their preparations for next year's Women's Asian Cup with a friendly against Wales during October's FIFA international window.
The match against Wales has been scheduled for October 25 in Cardiff, with the Matildas to also face a yet-to-be-determined opponent later in the window.
It remains to be seen whether superstar striker Sam Kerr, who hasn't played since tearing her ACL in January last year, will be made available for the games.
Wales are currently ranked 32nd in the world, and although they've never qualified for the women's World Cup before, they did make it through to this year's women's Euro competition.
The Matildas only have two more international windows before they kick off their Asian Cup campaign against the Philippines in Perth on March 1.
New coach Joe Montemurro was missing a host of the side's biggest stars during his first set of games in charge of the Matildas earlier this year.
Australia were lucky to escape with an error-riddled 3-0 win over world No.38 Slovenia in Montemurro's first game at the helm, and it was followed up by a 1-1 draw against the same opponents.
Alarm bells were ringing when the Matildas slumped to a shock 1-0 loss to world No.56 Panama, and Australia were 1-0 down in the re-match before a Michelle Heyman brace and Charli Grant's 91st-minute goal rescued a 3-2 win.
Montemurro says the game against Wales is a crucial step for the team in laying down the foundations for the next phase of the Matildas' journey.
"We are looking to make the most of the next few FIFA Women's International windows and Wales is the perfect test for the team as we have never played them before and they are a competitive side that will test our style of play," Montemurro said.
"It is important that we make the most of every opportunity together, to continually build on the relationships we are forming and setting high standards to enhance our high-performance environment."
The Matildas will ramp up their preparations for next year's Women's Asian Cup with a friendly against Wales during October's FIFA international window.
The match against Wales has been scheduled for October 25 in Cardiff, with the Matildas to also face a yet-to-be-determined opponent later in the window.
It remains to be seen whether superstar striker Sam Kerr, who hasn't played since tearing her ACL in January last year, will be made available for the games.
Wales are currently ranked 32nd in the world, and although they've never qualified for the women's World Cup before, they did make it through to this year's women's Euro competition.
The Matildas only have two more international windows before they kick off their Asian Cup campaign against the Philippines in Perth on March 1.
New coach Joe Montemurro was missing a host of the side's biggest stars during his first set of games in charge of the Matildas earlier this year.
Australia were lucky to escape with an error-riddled 3-0 win over world No.38 Slovenia in Montemurro's first game at the helm, and it was followed up by a 1-1 draw against the same opponents.
Alarm bells were ringing when the Matildas slumped to a shock 1-0 loss to world No.56 Panama, and Australia were 1-0 down in the re-match before a Michelle Heyman brace and Charli Grant's 91st-minute goal rescued a 3-2 win.
Montemurro says the game against Wales is a crucial step for the team in laying down the foundations for the next phase of the Matildas' journey.
"We are looking to make the most of the next few FIFA Women's International windows and Wales is the perfect test for the team as we have never played them before and they are a competitive side that will test our style of play," Montemurro said.
"It is important that we make the most of every opportunity together, to continually build on the relationships we are forming and setting high standards to enhance our high-performance environment."
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