Peace Cup: What a draw for the Matildas

MATILDAS TO FACE THE WORLD'S BEST...FFA Release below.


The Australian women's football team, the Matildas have been pitted against Olympic champions USA and World Cup finalists Brazil following the draw for the 2008 Peace Cup.

Australia will also face Italy in Group B of the prestigious eight-nation tournament to be held in June which, aside from FIFA competitions, is the richest in women's football.

The tournament will be held in Suwon, Korea, commencing on 14 June and concluding seven days later, with the two group winners to meet in the final on June 21.

The Matildas were again invited to the tournament after finishing third in their group in the last edition of the tournament two years ago.

It will be third outing against the USA in a six week period for the Matildas following the recent announcement of a two-match series which commences later this month. The match against Brazil also promises to be an intriguing contest as it's the first encounter between the two team's since last year's FIFA Women's World Cup quarter final which saw the South Americans triumph 3-2.

The USA sit atop the FIFA rankings, with Brazil 4th and Italy at 13, one slot behind Australia.

Just prior to the 2008 Peace Cup, the Matildas will be competing in the AFC Women's Asian Cup to be held from 28 May - 8 June, in a location yet to be decided.

2008 Peace Queen Cup Tentative Match Schedule (Kickoff Times TBD)
June 15 - Australia v. Brazil
June 17 - Australia v Italy
June 19 - Australia v USA
June 21 – Final (Group Winners)