Get to know Australia's Group C opponents at the FIFA Women's World Cup France 2019™

The Westfield Matildas learnt their fate on Sunday morning AEDT as they were drawn in Group C of the FIFA Women’s World Cup alongside Brazil, Italy and Jamaica. 

Most fans would be familiar with the sight of Brazil. Our Westfield Matildas have faced Seleção five times in three years, emerging victorious on four of those occasions. 

CONFIRMED: Westfield Matildas drawn in Group C for the FIFA Women's World Cup France
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Italy and Jamaica, meanwhile, offer a completely new prospect but one players and fans should be weary of. 

We give you all the information as we brace ourselves for another FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign.

Brazil

What else is there to say about Brazil? 

In the space of a few years, the Westfield Matildas have developed quite the rivalry with South America’s powerhouse nation. 

The Seleção are yet to win the tournament, but have finished second and third on separate occasions. 

Brazil are currently ranked 10th in the world, four places behind the Westfield Matildas, and have  a star-studded lineup including the likes of Marta, Debinha and Tamires.

aus brazil
Kerr scores against Brazil in 2017.

Italy

Australia have taken on Italy eight times since our first meeting in 2001. The ledger is equal with both Australia and Italy each winning three games apiece, and two draws to round out the eight previous fixtures. 

Despite this being Italy’s first ever FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance, Italy are currently ranked 16th in the world. 

The majority of their squad play in the revamped Serie A, with stars such as Cristiana Girelli and Sara Gama playing for defending champions Juventus. 

Girelli has 24 goals in 50 caps, an amazing return of a goal almost every second game. Gama meanwhile is an experience defender who will potentially be tasked with having to shut out our explosive attack.

Italy are coached by Melina Bertolini who previously played for the national team and has coached in Italy’s Serie A for almost two decades.

Italy

Jamaica

The Reggae Girlz are perhaps the most interesting prospect of Group C. Australia has never faced Jamaica in international women’s football, so we will be taking on somewhat of an unknown entity. 

Jamaica are ranked 53rd in the world and 2019, having climbed 11 places over the past year to achieve their highest ever ranking. The nation has never played in a FIFA Women’s World Cup, but this is no reason to become complacent. 

The Reggae Girlz are coming off their best ever performance at the CONCACAF Women’s Championship, finishing third in 2018.

Sheyla Diaz