MATILDAS LIVE ON ABC TV*

Australia’s female football team, the Matildas, will warm up for the 2010 Womens Asian Cup with a friendly match against DPR Korea.

ABC1 will broadcast live* Australia v DPR Korea on Saturday, March 6th at 3.30pm from Brisbane’s Ballymore Stadium. This telecast will also include a 30-minute highlights package of the Matildas mid-week friendly match against DPR Korea played on Wednesday, March 3rd (but not broadcast).

Hosting the live* telecast will be former Matildas player Amy Taylor (pictured), with commentary from ABC sports broadcaster, Peter Wilkins, and expert comments from former Matilda, Alicia Ferguson.

Amy Taylor says the two friendly matches will play a critical role in the Matildas preparations for the 2010 Womens Asian Cup to be held in Chengdu, China, between 19th – 30th May.

“These international ‘friendly’ games against DPR Korea are a great build up for the Asian Cup and they’ll give Matildas fans a chance to see their favourite players in action."

“The games will be an excellent indicator of where the team is and what needs extra work."

“For the players it’s a super opportunity to prove their worth and secure a place in the final squad."

“I’m really looking forward to seeing how some of the younger players step up to international level, and it’s always enjoyable watching players like Heather Garriock, Sarah Walsh and Kathryn Gill."

“The Matildas have had some very tough and tight matches against North Korea, so these games will be a good measure of Australia’s readiness for the Asian Cup.”

The Matildas have been drawn in Group B of the 2010 Womens Asian Cup along with host nation China, Vietnam and Korea Republic.

*Denotes live AEDT in NSW, ACT, Vic and Tas