Seven changes to Qantas Matildas line-up

Qantas Matildas coach Tom Sermanni has made seven changes to the line-up that will face Myanmar tomorrow in the team’s second outing at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup at Hindmarsh Stadium in Adelaide.

Qantas Matildas coach Tom Sermanni has made seven changes to the line-up that will face Myanmar tomorrow in the team-s second outing at the AFC Women-s Asian Cup at Hindmarsh Stadium in Adelaide.

Coming into the team which comprehensively defeated the Korean Republic 4-0 yesterday are goalkeeper Lydia Williams, defenders Rhian Davies and Kate McShea, midfielders Leah Blayney and Alicia Ferguson, plus attackers Kylie Ledbrook and Joanne Burgess.

Defender Karla Reuter is left out as precautionary measure after suffering a hip injury in yesterday-s match and missing today-s training session. Similarly fellow defender Dianne Alagich will sit out this match after suffering a broken nose in a training ground accident on Saturday, despite bravely seeing out the full 90 minutes yesterday. Thea Slatyer continues to be unavailable with an ongoing thigh complaint but remains hopeful of being available for selection for Saturday-s key match against DPR Korea (North Korea).

Jo Peters will wear the captain-s armband in the absence of regular skipper Cheryl Salisbury who will start on the bench.

“We have stiff competition for places throughout the squad of 20 players and it is also important to allow all players as much exposure to international football as possible,” says Qantas Matildas coach Tom Sermanni.

“With potentially six matches in 15 days it is also important to keep all players as fresh as possible.”

Australian starting line-up to face Myanmar:- Lydia Williams, Rhian Davies, Kate McShea, Sally Shipard, Heather Garriock, Leah Blayney, Alicia Ferguson, Joanne Peters, Joanne Burgesss, Kylie Ledbrook, Caitlin Munoz

The tournament doubles as qualifying for next year-s FIFA Women-s World Cup with the top two nations to qualify automatically while the third-placed team will play-off against the third best team in CONCACAF. China as host nation for next year-s tournament have qualified automatically.

Myanmar suffered a 2-1 loss to Thailand in their opening match yesterday.

Tuesday 18 July Thailand v DPR Korea - Hindmarsh Stadium @ 12:00 Myanmar v Australia - Hindmarsh Stadium @ 14:30 Korea Republic - Bye

All First round Tickets: Adults - $5; 16 and under - free.

Tickets available at the gate or from VenueTix

Further Qantas Matildas information including player profiles is available at the following link:- Matildas Player Profiles

Further tournament information is available at the AFC tournament website:- www.afc.com