- CommBank
Matildas clash against the Philippines set to be one of the biggest sporting
events ever held at Optus Stadium
- Match
expected to set a new WA record crowd for a women's sporting event, with all
tickets now snapped up
- Kick
off at 3pm, with the match to be followed by Iran vs Chinese Taipei
The
CommBank Matildas are preparing to break more records and win more hearts, with
their clash against the Philippines at Optus Stadium today set to be one of the
biggest sporting events ever held at the award-winning venue.
The game
was declared a sellout earlier this week and is expected to set a new WA record
crowd for a women's sporting event.
It is also
expected to be Optus Stadium's biggest-ever turnout for a world game event.
Following
unprecedented public demand after their FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 heroics,
and with three sold-out match days at HBF Park, the Cook Government, in
consultation with Football Australia, made the decision to move the Sunday match
day to Optus Stadium, allowing thousands more Western Australians to see the CommBank
Matildas on home soil.
The matches
are part of the Round AFC Asian Olympic Qualifiers for Paris 2024, which the CommBank
Matildas automatically progressed to based on their high placement in the Tokyo
Olympics.
It's also
the first time in five years they will have played in Perth, and the first
opportunity to see them compete in Australia following their huge campaign at
the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 in July and August.
Group winners and the best-ranked
runners-up from Round 2 matches played in Perth will advance to the
third and final round of qualifying to take place on 24 and 28 February 2024.
The winning Round 3 teams will take
the two spots reserved for Asia in the Women's Olympic Football Tournament to
be held in Paris from 24 July to 10 August 2024, where 12 women's
national teams from six continental confederations will compete overall.
The Cook Government is also investing in grassroots
football, with a new $9.3 million commitment to local clubs, facilities, and
infrastructure, to ensure WA's successful hosting of this year's Women's World
Cup and Round 2 AFC Asian Olympic Qualifiers deliver a lasting legacy for the
world game in WA.
To find out more, visit www.matildas.com.au.
Comments attributed to
Premier Roger Cook:
"Today's CommBank Matildas match is set to be one of the biggest sporting
events ever held at Optus Stadium, which is fitting for a team that has truly captivated
our country and the world over the past few months.
"The football fanfare
since the World Cup has been nothing short of incredible, which is why we made
the decision to shift this match to Optus Stadium and allow an additional
40,000 fans to see their heroes in action.
"We're so proud to have
secured these exclusive matches in Perth, and I can't wait to see the sea of
green and gold this afternoon as we cheer on our CommBank Matildas."
Comments attributed to
Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti:
"The incredible
popularity of women's football is driving thousands of visitors to WA for these
six blockbuster Olympic Qualifier matches, while also promoting our State to
the world through the international broadcast.
"These matches are an
incredible opportunity for the WA community to see our nation's sporting heroes
after their brilliant performance at the World Cup, and will no doubt be
welcomed by our WA tourism and hospitality sectors as well.
"We're
very excited to have our homegrown hero Sam Kerr back in town and ready to
light up Optus Stadium in front of a packed house!"
Comments attributed to
Sport and Recreation Minister David Templeman:
"Our Government is so
pleased to welcome back our national football hero and sporting icon Sam Kerr,
who is a well-recognised role model for the WA community and football lovers
across the globe, along with her incredibly talented team members.
"Hosting high-profile
sporting matches and major events like these Olympic Qualifiers strengthens
WA's reputation as one of the sporting capitals of the southern hemisphere and
will help grow the legacy of women's sport in this State."
Comments attributed to
Football Australia CEO James Johnson:
"The CommBank
Matildas have not only showcased exceptional talent on the field, but have also
united and captivated an entire nation. Eleven consecutive sold-out matches is
no small feat - it's a testament to the passion for women's football in
Australia.
"The overwhelming
support in Perth, from the intimate atmosphere at the football purpose-built
HBF Park to the grandeur of Optus Stadium, underscores the nation's unwavering
commitment to our women's football team.
"We are immensely proud
of the CommBank Matildas and equally grateful to the fans who have made this
historic run possible.
"Every cheer, every
ticket purchased, and every jersey worn by a fan reiterates the importance of
the CommBank Matildas to the Australian sports community.
"We are on an incredible
journey together, and there's no telling where this momentum will take
us."
