Matildas play for $200,000

Matildas open their Peace Cup campaign against the USA on Sunday in Korea. FFA release below.

MATILDAS SQUAD BOOSTED AHEAD OF BRAZIL & USA CHALLENGES




The Matildas have received a boost with the return of World Cup midfielder Joanne Burgess to the squad that will compete at the prestigious Peace Cup which commences on Saturday.

The 28 year old Burgess, a veteran of 34 appearances for the Matildas, returns to the squad after missing the recent AFC Women's Asian Cup due to family reasons.

The Peace Cup is held every two years in South Korea and is considered one of the premier women's football tournaments outside the World Cup with $200,000 USD on offer for the winning team.

Australia will kick off their campaign on Sunday against reigning Olympic champion and the current world number one ranked team USA. The Matildas will then face Italy on Tuesday before the final Group A match against World Cup runners up Brazil two days later, with all group matches to be played at the Suwon Sports Complex.

"Joanne has been a key regular member of the squad for the last three years and her return will provide a timely boost," said Matildas coach Tom Sermanni.

"She is an experienced player and adds variety to our attacking options.

"I am hoping the tough matches we had in what were testing conditions in Vietnam will prove to be ideal preparation for the Peace Cup.

"We are looking forward to challenging ourselves with three top quality and tough international matches in the group stage."

There are no other additions to the squad that competed in Vietnam at the AFC Women's Asian Cup though Young Matildas 16 year old pair Tameka Butt and Ella Mastrantonio will travel to South Korea for training purposes only outside the 20 strong squad.


The Matildas squad for the 2008 Peace Cup:

Goalkeepers – Melissa Barbieri (Melbourne), Lydia Williams (Canberra)
Defenders – Di Alagich (Sydney), Kim Carroll (Brisbane), Kate McShea (Brisbane), Ellyse Perry (Sydney), Clare Polkinghorne (Brisbane), Karla Reuter (Brisbane), Cheryl Salisbury (Newcastle)
Midfielders – Joanne Burgess (Brisbane), Amy Chapman (Canberra), Lauren Colthorpe (Brisbane), Heather Garriock (Sydney), Collette McCallum (Perth), Amber Neilson (Newcastle)

Forwards – Lisa De Vanna (Perth), Kate Gill (Newcastle), Caitlin Munoz (Canberra), Kyah Simon (Sydney), Jenna Tristram (Brisbane),
(current home city)

* Training only - Tameka Butt (Gold Coast), Ella Mastrantonio (Perth)

Peace Cup
Australia v USA
Sunday 15 June

Australia v Italy
Tuesday 17 June

Australia v Brazil
Thursday 19 June

Final
Saturday 21 June

Group A comprises Argentina, Canada, New Zealand and host nation South Korea with the final to be played at the Suwon World Cup Stadium.