Women’s Asian Cup: Matildas stars upbeat as they prepare for one of their biggest matches in history

Just one game separates the Matildas from a major tournament final on home soil — but if the Australians are feeling the pressure, they sure are not showing it.

And on the eve of Tuesday night’s blockbuster, the Australian game’s most powerful man has issued a call to action from Matildas fans and urged them to pack out Optus Stadium.

Hot on the heels of their gripping 2-1 quarterfinal win in Perth on Friday night, the Matildas will end their Perth residency with a clash against reigning champions China.

With a spot in Saturday’s final in Sydney on the line, the squad took to the training track on Monday morning at Sam Kerr Football Centre for a short, intense session which served as their final hit-out before the game.

And despite the likely tension and nerves, players were all smiles and full of beans during the 15 minute window open to the media, with players laughing and joking about before training as the positives vibes continued to radiate throughout the warm-up.

Among the big names in a positive mood was captain and hometown hero Sam Kerr — and she has every reason to be beaming, having now scored in five successive Matildas matches in Perth following her excellent goal in the victory over North Korea.

With star players Steph Catley and Hayley Raso both cleared to return to the match-day squad after suffering concussions earlier in the tournament, Tuesday’s clash has all the ingredients of a night to remember for fans as Australia aim for their first major tournament final since 2018.

Recently-appointed Football Australia chief executive Martin Kugeler told The West Australian Tuesday night’s match was one of the biggest in the history of the sport in this country.

After Matildas players credited the 16,466 fans in attendance at the smaller HBF Park on Friday for creating a vibrant atmosphere and helping drive the team on towards victory, Kugeler hoped fans once again lined the stands to cheer on the Australians.

“This is one of the biggest matches in Matildas history, and we’re calling on the people of Perth and Western Australia to turn up, fill the stadium and get right behind the team,” he said.

“Perth and Western Australia have been incredibly passionate and vocal in their support of the Matildas for many years.

“It was wonderful to experience that first-hand in the opening match against the Philippines and again last Friday in the quarterfinals. We hope to make Tuesday a special night for everyone.”

Matildas midfielder Emily van Egmond, who will break the national team’s record for most games played if she takes to the field against China.