For Les Bleues, a final warm-up game against Australia in World Cup style

It is a shock that can be considered one of the most beautiful group stage posters. In the final preparation match for the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, from July 20 to August 20, the French national team will challenge Australia in Melbourne, on Friday, July 14. Before jumping into the deep end of the competition, this final quiz has a taste worldwide.

Firstly because it takes place in somewhat exceptional circumstances, for a final preparatory meeting. Six days before the tournament’s opening match, nine days before it starts, Wendy Reynard’s teammates take on Australia, one of the two host countries, on the turf at Melbourne’s Marvel Arena. “It is a great game to go on Australian soil […] We will be pushed a little bit, that’s good, it will allow us to compete.”On the eve of the meeting, coach Hervé Renard knew.

The Frenchwoman arrived in Australia on July 9, and flew early to the other side of the world, to recover as much as possible from the long journey and acclimatize on the spot. They They are not alone, because the vast majority of teams traveled from all over the world to Oceania during the first ten days of July. Jed plays their last warm-up match on Australian or New Zealand soil, against potential future opponents, such as England and Canada behind closed doors on the Sunshine Coast, where Lions players They have their base camp.

Prominent and motivating opposition

This atmosphere of the World Cup is also due to the quality of the opponent, the tenth team in the FIFA rankings, the host country for part of the tournament, and the great stranger, if not pretending, to a great epic until the victory in the final. “He plays Against the host country, none. It will be up to us to focus on what we want to implement.”Grace Giuro explained. Australia in particular held on to a prestigious victory over European champions England, then unbeaten in 30 matches, in a friendly in April.

Appointment is also important to MatildasAnd Their supporters and observers, who promised warmth and enthusiasm for Bastille Day. “It is not an ordinary game. It’s an opportunity to celebrate women’s football and soccer in general and everything we’ve already achieved.”Australian coach Tony Gustafson said before the game.

For the federation, this match is real “leaving the party” To really launch the World Cup. The crowd answered the call, as 50,000 spectators would line the expanse of Marvel Stadium packed to the brim. Enough to break the attendance record for a Matildas match played on national soil (36,000, established against the United States in November 2021). “I think the weather will be great […] I get goosebumps just talking about it.”I appreciate Australian defender Ellie Carpenter.

For the Blues and staff, there is no question of letting that context go to their heads, in the face of the last chance to measure themselves, settle down and actually plan for the future. “You have to believe in yourself, if this team believes in itself, it will be a great World Cupreassured Hervé Renard. We’ve established that trust, and the key is now in their hands.”