The fifth-ranked side in the world were humbled by
a team of schoolboys from Newcastle Jets as The
Matildas continue their preparations for the summer
Olympics in August
In quite some setback ahead of the summer Olympics in Rio,
Australia Women's team have lost 7-0 to a Newcastle Jets
Under-15 side.
'The Matildas', pictured above in January, are ranked fifth in
the FIFA world rankings and have reached the last three
World Cup quarter-finals, but saw their confidence hit earlier
this week with a humbling at the hands of some kids.
Australia were fielding a heavily rotated side and missing their
overseas-based players but still boasted a group of high-
profile players ahead of friendlies against New Zealand and
Greece Women's teams.
"To be honest we didn't expect that," Gary van Egmond, likely
feeling mixed emotions being assistant coach for Australia
Women's team and academy director of the Newcastle Jets,
told The Huffington Post Australia.
"But the Jets boys were very good. All credit to them. They
moved the ball around very well and were excellent on the
night."
Australia Women regularly test themselves against male
teams due to the lack of required local female talent and drew
2-2 on their last clash against teenagers.
"I think there were a couple of contributing factors to the
loss. At this stage in their preparation, obviously the Matildas
are not in a position to play regular games so I'd suggest all
and sundry were a little bit rusty.
"We could have had an easier game, but we definitely want to
keep testing the girls."
'The Matildas' will be the sole football representative for
Australia at the Olympics.