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| OCEANIA-OFC NEWS |
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July 30, 2000 The Matildas depart next week for North Korea and China to compete in four matches, their last internationals before the commencement of the 2000 Olympic Games. The trip to North Korea is the Matildas' second visit. Their groundbreaking tour in August 1998 created quite a stir amongst government officials, the team being the first Australian group to travel to the strictly communist nation since the breakdown of ambassadorial ties twenty-five years earlier. As a footballing nation, North Korea is a quality although physical team, who finished tenth at the 1999 World Cup, one place above Australia. The 1998 tour ended in a series win to the Matildas, two scoreless draws followed by a 1-0 win. China has become a regular foe of the Matildas, the World Cup and Olympic silver medalists widely regarded as the most technically superior team in the word. Australia played possibly their best ever match when they last met China, a 1-1 draw before going down in the penalty shootout in front of a crowd of over 10,00 last month at the Sydney Football Stadium for the Pacific Cup. "We'll be looking to put into practice some more things we've been working on, and others which we need to improve on from the Pacific Cup," said National Coach Chris Tanzey. "And we get away from the cold weather of Canberra for two weeks. It just breaks thins up, so it's just as much of a mental benefit as physical. We'll get more experience playing top teams in front of big crowds. You don't get much tougher than playing North Korea in North Korea. We've made things difficult for ourselves, and that's good. But having said that, it will be difficult for them as well." Although these are the first internationals since the announcement of the Olympic team, three of those 18 players will not make the tour. Striker Julie Murray, goalkeeper Leanne Trimboli (both recovering from injury), and defender Bridgette Starr (ill) will stay at home, and have been replaced by 'alternates' for the Olympic team Danielle Small, Joanne Butland, and Amy Taylor. "We've got to keep the bigger picture in mind for the Olympics- it's about winning the war, not just the odd battle, " said Tanzey. "We haven't got the amount of international like other nations, so we have to use our games for a lot of different reasons. There are other things to be considered, and obviously the fitness of the players ins one of those." The Matildas depart from Canberra for Asia next Friday 4 August an play two internationals in both countrise and returns on Saturday 19 August. Match Schedule (kickoff times to be confirmed)
Australian Team - North Korea/China Tour
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