Westfield Matildas v Japan: what you need to know

The Westfield Matildas kick off their Olympic Games qualifiers tonight and we’ve got all you need to know ahead of the clash with host nation Japan.

Who:  Westfield Matildas v Japan, Olympic Games qualifiers

When:  Monday, 29 February

Where:  Kincho Stadium, Osaka

TV Broadcast:   LIVE nationally on 7mate

Kick-off:  7:35pm local time (9:35pm AEDT)

Weather:  12 degrees, overcast with chance of showers

Twitter:  #AFCWOQ  #RoadToRio  #GoMatildas

Last three meetings against Japan:  (0 wins, 1 draw, 2 losses)

Steph Catley was tireless in defence against Japan's technical brilliance.

What they need to do:  A top-two finish at the six nation round-robin tournament will book the Westfield Matildas spot at the 2016 Rio Olympics. 

Matildas prime for Olympic qualfying assault

What they said:  “To give football another footstep in the mainstream of the Australian public and media we really need to qualify and show off our assets on a world stage and a mainstream stage like the Olympics. We want to be on that stage,” – coach Alen Stajcic.

Westfield Matildas Squad: Lydia Williams,  Ashleigh Sykes, Caitlin Cooper, Clare Polkinghorne, Laura Alleway, Chloe Logarzo, Steph Catley, Elise Kellond-Knight, Caitlin Foord, Emily van Egmond, Lisa De Vanna, Casey Dumont, Tameka Butt, Alanna Kennedy, Emily Gielnik, Michelle Heyman, Kyah Simon, Mackenzie Arnold, Katrina Gorry, Ellie Carpenter.