Almost 400 days after securing qualification and with no games under their belt, the Matildas reunited and began to prepare for Tokyo. Four tough tests against European opposition yielded three defeats and a scoreless draw against Sweden. But now with over five weeks together thanks to the June friendlies and the transition camp in Sweden, the Matildas are ready and raring to go.
As Asian neighbours, Japan and Australia play each other regularly with the Matildas last recording a 2-0 win in their last encounter at the Tournament of Nations in 2018.
The squad
Since the IOC and FIFA decision to expand the 18-player squad to 22, making all alternates fully fledged members of the team, Tony Gustavsson has more players to choose from ahead of this game.