'They were really special moments': Stajcic relishing return to home soil

Alen Stajcic is eyeing off more magical moments when the Westfield Matildas return home in two month's time.

Australia will host Chile in Penrith (Saturday 10 November) and Newcastle (Tuesday 13 November) in ideal warm up matches for the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

ANNOUNCED: Westfield Matildas will play Chile at home over two matches in November

ULTIMATE GUIDE: Westfield Matildas' November opponents Chile 

It will come a year after the Westfield Matildas' hugely successful 2017 friendlies against Brazil at the same venues.

Addressing the media in Penrith earlier today, Stajcic said he's relishing a return to home soil against another South American outfit.

“To think of the crowds we had here and the atmosphere we had here last year... they were really special moments for me personally being a local Penrith boy," he told www.matildas.com.au.

"But for Australian football and for the Matildas they were just such special, magical moments that transcended what we’ve seen in Australian football in the last period of time.”

The challenge of Chile serves as two important building blocks for the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France, which kicks off in nine months’ time.

And with Australia in the running to host the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the two fixtures in Penrith and Newcastle boast great opportunities to bolster the nation's bid.

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“I’m sure all the games are going to be sold out in France. It’s a really good motivation for getting used to the way you have to deal with noise and excitement and electricity within a ground and all the things that revolve around that.

“It’s such a great environment and Penrith Stadium and Newcastle are such beautiful boutique little stadiums where you can really hear the noise and feel the energy of the crowd because they’re just so close to you."

ANNOUNCED: Westfield Matildas will play Chile at home over two matches in November 
SAINT-ETIENNE: Australia will play the 2019 FIFA World Cup hosts France in October 

In United States, Japan and Brazil the Westfield Matildas have played some of the highest-ranking teams in the world of late, and Chile will prove another great test of Australia's FIFA Women's World Cup credentials.

“Chile are an emerging nation in international women’s football and have qualified for next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time in their history.

"They (Chile) had a fantastic Copa America this year and have showed a great level of technical proficiency, as we would expect from a proud South American footballing nation."

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