Matildas coach Alen Stajcic has described the inaugural Cup of Nations as the “perfect” preparation for next year’s World Cup.
The Matildas will meet Argentina, South Korea and New Zealand on home soil in late February as part of their build-up to France.
The mini-tournament will feature three double-headers at Jubilee Stadium in Sydney, Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane and AAMI Park in Melbourne.
“For me it’s perfect — different styles of play,” Stajcic said on Tuesday.
It is a major piece of the puzzle for the Australian women’s team, who are considered a major contender to claim what would be their maiden trophy.
The world No. 6 outfit has already booked a friendly against the United States in April, when they also hope to fit in another two matches.
Their final camp will be in Europe where they have also pencilled in at least another three fixtures against unknown opponents.
Then it’s off to France for the World Cup, with the Matildas yet to decide on a base.
“
We just have to flesh out the details on some of those [games]. All those things are in place, we’ve just got dot the i’s and cross the t’s,” Stajcic said.
The schedule is far different to the one they experienced in Canada four years ago, when they were agonisingly knocked out by Japan in the quarterfinals.
Back then they had four entire months with the playing group.
“The way women’s football’s evolved now, you can only get the players in FIFA windows — that’s the part that has changed since the last World Cup,” Stajcic said.
“It’s the same for every team.”
Australia drew arch-rivals Brazil (world No. 10), rising European powerhouse Italy (No. 16), and unknown entity Jamaica (No. 53) for the group stage in France.
That’s why Stajcic insisted a variety of playing styles was key in welcoming Argentina (No. 36), South Korea (No. 14) and New Zealand (No. 19) next year.
“Another South American team, very similar to [recent opponents] Chile,” he said.
“New Zealand are very similar to a lot of the teams in the World Cup. [They] have that really aggressive, front-foot proactive type of game.
“And to come up against Korea, an Asian team who we could come across against in the crossover should we get through the group stage.
“For us it’s wonderful preparation. The different styles of play is important, and staying at home is important from a prep point of view.”
FFA chief executive David Gallop said the governing body intends to make the four-nation tournament an annual event.
Cup of Nations schedule (all times are AEDT):
Feb. 28 at Jubilee Stadium, Sydney: Argentina vs. South Korea at 4.35pm, Australia vs. New Zealand at 7.30pm
March 3 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane: Argentina vs. New Zealand at 4.05pm, Australia vs. South Korea at 7pm
March 6 at AAMI Park, Melbourne: South Korea vs. New Zealand at 3.05pm, Australia vs. Argentina at 6pm