This will be the fifth overall meeting between the Matildas and Scotland, with results perfectly balanced at 1-2-1.
Their first clash came all the way back in May of 1995, which ended in a 0-0 draw. Seven years later, in 2003, Australia secured their first (and, so far, only) win over the Scots when legendary defender Cheryl Salisbury scored in a 1-0 victory as the Matildas prepared for the Women’s World Cup in the USA later that year.
It would be over a decade before the two sides met again, this time in the group stage of the 2014 Cyprus Cup, with Scotland emerging 4-2 winners after a Jane Ross hat-trick and a goal to West Ham winger Lisa Evans.
Australia’s only goal-scorer that day was Michelle Heyman who, despite finishing runner-up on the Golden Boot ladder with Canberra United in the A-League Women this season, wasn’t called up to camp to replace any of the late withdrawals – much to the chagrin of many folks on #sokkahtwitter.
Their most recent match occurred almost exactly eight years ago today: on April 9, 2015 as Australia prepared for the World Cup in Canada.
That game ended 1-1 thanks to a rare goal from retired defender Laura Brock (nee Alleway), while fellow retiree Ross equalised for the Scots.
Which way will the balance tip tonight?
dan