After a brutal run of training sessions, Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson plans to use their friendly against Canada as the perfect warm-up for a gruelling Olympics group stage.
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Australia face the reigning Olympic gold medallists in Marbella on Sunday morning AEST.
It will serve as preparation for taking on Germany in Marseille on July 25 (local time), Zambia in Nice on July 28 then the United States in Marseille on July 31.
"Over the last year, we haven't played as many games against top oppositions that we did leading into the World Cup for scheduling reasons," Gustavsson said.
'So it was also very important for us to get a top opposition in this window before the tournament starts."
The Canadians are tough defensively and pacy in attack - which Gustavsson believed showed elements of all three group stage opponents.
"When we've played Canada before we've struggled with the runs in behind the back line," he said.
"If you look at how Germany play, how US play, and how Zambia play, all three group stage opponents have great pace up front and threaten in behind our back line.
"So that's something that we've worked on, meaning, what does it look like when we attack? What does it look like we lose the ball, and how can we stop the opposition's transition game?"
The Matildas have also focused on building up play from the back.
"We think two out of the three group stage teams are going to press us very, very high," Gustavsson said.
"So that's something we're going to look at as well - how can we handle that high pressure and aggressive pressure that we think Canada will apply at times in the game.
"And see if we can be confident and brave enough, but also good enough in other decision making to bypass that press."
Steph Catley and Kaitlyn Torpey will both miss the friendly as they attempt to recover from lower leg injuries.
Gustavsson warned his other players wouldn't be at their best against Canada, amid a heavy pre-Olympics training block.
"That replicates a little bit what it would be like further down the tournament as well, with with heavy legs and playing in heat, so we just need to prepare," he said.
"And this game is all about preparing for the Olympics. It's not an isolated game, per se. Doesn't mean we're not going to try to win, but it's all about preparing for the Olympics.
"We're going into this Canada game a bit tired, but that was the plan. You're going to see a lot of rotation, a lot of subs in tomorrow's game."
Australian Associated Press
