Hello folks and welcome to the ABC Sport coverage of the Matildas clash against Mexico in Newcastle.
My name is Simon Smale and I am thrilled to be here with you all for tonight’s match – and will be here for you on Tuesday as well for the second match of this two-game series.
On a week where the footballing world is starting to focus on the men’s FIFA World Cup, the Matildas start their own preparations for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The Matildas are looking at these two friendlies against Mexico as being key for their preparation for Brazil, so now that qualification is assured, the road to Rio (and the rest of Brazil) starts here.
So strap yourselves in and get yourselves ready for tonight’s clash, with kick off not far away.
