Matildas to kick off in Geelong this weekend

Matildas Chloe Lincoln and Emily Gielnik (back) met with politicians Alison Marchant, Gayle Tierney, Libby Coker, Football Victoria's Mandy McCarter and junior footballers in Torquay ahead of this weekend's match. Photo: PETER MARSHALL

GEELONG will be covered in green and gold this weekend as the Matildas make their way to Kardinia Park for a friendly match against Chinese Taipei.

The Australian national women’s soccere team will host Chinese Taipei today (Saturday, December 7) in the first meeting between the two sides since Australia’s 3-0 win at the 2024 AFC Women’s Olympic Games Qualifiers in Perth last November.

Tonight is also the first time the Matildas will play in front of a Geelong crowd in seven years and the first time inside GMHBA Stadium as a 40,000-seat venue.

Matildas players Chloe Lincoln and Emily Gielnik visited Torquay – the hometown of team-mate Kyra Cooney-Cross – last month for a local coaching clinic with junior female footballers.

“You can see such a community-based area and a really beautiful part of the world, and I think the girls are going to be really excited to come down and get a better look,” Lincoln said.

“It’s fantastic to see so many that know the Matildas and know these names that have been around for so long, but since that World Cup it’s just blown up and it’s changed the generation and it’s really exciting to see where it’s headed.”

Tomorrow’s matchup is the second leg of a two-match series between the two nations, following the first leg held on Wednesday this week at AAMI Park in Melbourne.

The Matildas sit 15th in the FIFA Women’s World Rankings, while Chinese Taipei is ranked 41.

The Geelong game begins at 7.30pm and can be watched either live or on 10/10 Bold.

Head to ticketmaster.com.au for tickets before they sell out.