Salisbury calls on fans to arrive early

Qantas Matildas captain Cheryl Salisbury has encouraged all football supporters heading to the MCG on Thursday to arrive early and lend their support to the Australian women's national team.

Qantas Matildas captain Cheryl Salisbury has encouraged all football supporters heading to the MCG on Thursday to arrive early and lend their support to the Australian women's national team. The Qantas Matildas will meet Mexico in the opening match of the double header at 4.30pm, with the Socceroos facing Greece at 7.30pm.

The match is vital preparation for Australia's first tilt at the AFC Women's Asian Cup which is being held in Adelaide from 16-30 July. The tournament also doubles as the Asian Women's World Cup qualifying competition. The Qantas Matildas have a challenging task to qualify for the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup with the just 2.5 places allocated for Asia (aside from host nation China). "Just like the Socceroos against Uruguay last year, now we will face our own date with destiny in July when we battle it out for a spot at the World Cup," said Qantas Matildas captain Cheryl Salisbury.

"This match will be our first outing in our schedule ahead of facing Asia's best and a winning start to the campaign is crucial. It is not often the team has the chance to play at home and never before at the mighty Melbourne Cricket Ground. I know from experience that all the players get just that little bit of extra adrenalin with a large home crowd supporting us and I urge all ticket holders to arrive early and cheer on Australia's finest female footballers against Mexico."

"This match against Mexico has all the ingredients of being a huge showdown the two teams having sharing a win apiece in Mexico two years ago. On that occasion we were fortunate enough to play at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City in front of a large and deafening vocal crowd, so now is the chance for Aussie fans to show their support at our largest home venue."

MCG Gates Open - 4.15pm

Qantas Matildas v Mexico Thursday 25 May, 4.30pm

Powerade Cup Socceroos v Greece Thursday 25 May, 7.30pm

The Qantas Matildas will play two further matches against Mexico:

Qantas Matildas v Mexico Bob Jane Stadium, Albert Park Sunday 28 May, 2.30pm (Free entry)

Qantas Matildas v Mexico Port Melbourne SC, Anderson Reserve, Plummer St, Port Melbourne Tuesday 30 May, 2.30pm (Free entry)

Click on the audio icon in Related Items for a full audio interview with Cheryl Salisbury.