Beneath "the backdrop" of Australia's bid to host the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, the Matildas "are winning over fans" and doing so "at the expense of heavy-hitters and potential bidding rivals," according to Dominic Bossi of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. Matildas Coach Alen Stajcic is "only focused on the series in America being the vital preparation for looming major tournaments" -- the 2018 Asian Cup and 2019 Women's World Cup -- but knows that "every positive result and eye-catching performance plays a small, significant part" in bolstering Australia's case to FIFA. He said, "We've got a lot of positive reviews from fans, local administrators and other countries. I think a lot of people would love to see a World Cup in Australia and playing well on the field will only help that." The Matildas are set to attend a function on Wednesday night in L.A. with diplomats and consulate officials where it is understood the 2023 World Cup bid "will be the main item on the agenda." Stajcic: "We generally get a visit from the Australian consulate and diplomats but I guess it has that extra meaning with the World Cup bid in the background" (SMH, 8/2).
