Australia vs Germany: Matildas fans descend on Marseille ahead of women’s team’s Olympic Games opening match

Matildas fans have travelled in force to throw their support behind Tony Gustavsson’s side ahead of their Olympic Games campaign.

Still buoyed by the women’s team’s heroics at the FIFA World Cup last year, there are high hopes that the Aussies can medal in Paris, with their journey starting on Thursday evening local time against Germany.

And while many are expecting to tune in from home in the early hours of Friday morning, video footage has shown plenty of fans in the French city of Marseille, the destination for the curtain-raiser.

Supporters were seen enjoying the sunshine and a few beers in a friendly atmosphere in the south of France, with no nerves despite the tricky task at hand against the world-ranked No 4 team.

The Matildas have been hit with a selection blow, with Tameka Yallop ruled out of the game due to injury. However, it has offered a dream opportunity for her Brisbane Roar teammate Sharn Freier to step in.

The Australian women’s team were forced into the late change hours before their tough start against Olympic powerhouse Germany in Marseille on Thursday with the 33-year-old veteran midfielder Yallop still not ready for a recall after two contact injuries she suffered in early July.

Yallop, who had to be withdrawn from the Olympic warm-up against Canada on July 13, will be replaced by Freier, who celebrated her 23rd birthday on Wednesday and now has the chance to make her Olympic debut.

Matildas fans have descended on Marseille to support the team at the Olympics

The Matildas are playing at the world-famous stadium in Marseille on Thursday local time

There are high hopes that the Aussie team can win a medal at this year’s Olympic Games

Yallop has returned to full training and is expected to be fit to be back in the 18-player squad for the Matildas’ next match against Zambia in Nice on Sunday.

Man City superstar Mary Fowler said her teammates are fully aware of the task at hand. 

‘They’re a really good side and I don’t think you can underestimate them, just from a couple of games where they didn’t perform as well,’ she said.

‘They have so many good players.

‘So we just treat it like any other team, any other game, where we just prepare as best as we can.

‘Because every game is pretty much like a final when you’re in a tournament.’