Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson has called on his charges, including Newcastle duo Emily van Egmond and Clare Wheeler, to feel the pressure of a World Cup final match-up when they attempt to secure just their second-ever win over the United States.

A camp, which includes two friendlies against the world champions in Sydney on 27 November and at Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium on 30 November, is the final time the side will come together before January’s Asian Cup. 

“This game against the US, the first game, we’re never going to get closer to replicating a World Cup final before a World Cup than this first game against the US,” Gustavsson said.

“It’s going to be played in the same stadium (Stadium Australia) as the World Cup final is going to be played, we play the number one ranked team in the world in that stadium and with hopefully a record-breaking crowd. 

“That means everything we do from now on leading into that game is going to be mimicking what we would do going into a World Cup final.

“So, I actually hope the players feel a lot of pressure going into this game – a lot.

“Because we’re going to treat it like a World Cup final in every aspect.”

Australia will welcome back Manchester City winger Hayley Raso and Aston Villa striker Emily Gielnik from shoulder and toe injuries respectively.

Gustavsson stressed both players’ involvement, especially that of Gielnik, would be minimal but was keen to get them both up to speed.

The majority of last month’s squad that faced Brazil has been retained, with Gustavsson keen to get “some final answers” on players before his final cut for the Asian Cup.

Youngsters Jessika Nash and Charlize Rule have received their first senior call-ups and could potentially add to the 12 debutants to have featured this year.

The Australians have only beaten the US once, with Tameka Yallop, who is due to play her 100th cap, scoring the winner in a 1-0 victory in 2017.

“It’s a great opportunity, but it’s a tough one as well,” Gustavsson said.

“However, we’re definitely going for it.

“We’re going to go all in and we’re going to impose ourselves and our game plan and our style on them…

“We’re definitely going to go for the win but we’re going to go for the win in our way.”

MATILDAS SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Mackenzie Arnold, Teagan Micah, Lydia Williams 

Defenders: Angela Beard, Ellie Carpenter, Steph Catley, Charlotte Grant, Alanna Kennedy, Jessika Nash, Courtney Nevin, Clare Polkinghorne, Karly Roestbakken

Midfielders: Kyra Cooney-Cross, Emily van Egmond, Clare Wheeler, Tameka Yallop Forwards: Caitlin Foord, Mary Fowler, Emily Gielnik, Bryleeh Henry, Sam Kerr, Hayley Raso, Charlize Rule, Remy Siemsen, Kyah Simon

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