Matildas date with destiny

Big, big game for the Matildas

Well, today is the day. The Matildas take on DPR Korea in Coffs Harbour this afternoon at 3pm

You can see the game live on SBS at 3pm.

The Matildas must win. Anything other than a win will mean they will miss out on the Beijing 2008 Olympic games.

The Olympic games, World Cup and Asia Cup are three massive tournaments in the women's game. Unlike their male counterparts, the Matildas don't have the big pay cheques, the highly profiled international and local leagues to take part in.

International football and the three major tournaments are vital to the development of the game in this country, not to mention individual player satisfaction.

What Australian doesn't want to compete in the Olympic games?

Should the Matildas draw or lose today, it will leave the Matildas short of high level competition in 2008. Although the World Cup in September this year in China would remain a major focus.

DPR Korea are ranked 5th in the World, the Matildas 14th, and last weeks 2-0 loss in Pyongyang shows today's game won't be easy.

Sally Shipard said, " They are a dam good side, they have strong players everywhere. But we are determined. We have to win."

It will be tense and the Matildas will need to play the game of their life. Captain Cheryl Salisbury will need to be at her organisational best today, Sally Shipard will need to control the play and maybe it will be the pace of Sarah Walsh and Lisa De Vanna, who are sure to be used at some point, who will win the day.

Predition: Matildas to win 1-0

Want more Matildas? Scroll down for yesterday's interview with Cheryl Salisbury and Sally Shipard's weekly post.

Full match report here right after the game.