The Matildas’ dreams of AFC Women’s Asian Cup glory on home soil have been dashed by Japan.
Despite a gallant effort at Sydney’s Stadium Australia on Saturday night, the Matildas again fell short in a major tournament, losing 1-0 to the powerful Japanese outfit.
It was perhaps the last chance for the core of this Matildas team to win a major trophy together.
Japan’s win wasn’t unexpected, given its dominance throughout the three-week tournament.
However, the Matildas were left to rue a handful of missed chances. Had a couple been taken, it would have led to Australia winning the tournament for a second time after tasting continental glory in 2010.
Current Captain Sam Kerr was part of that squad 16 years ago, but perhaps hampered by a knee injury, could not find a moment of magic on Saturday night.
Japan produced that required magic with the only goal of the game – a brilliant long-distance effort from 21-year-old attacker Maika Hamano – in the 17th minute.
Afforded too much space just outside of Australia’s penalty area by midfielders Alanna Kennedy and Kyra Cooney-Cross, Hamano turned and unleashed an angled right-footed strike that perhaps took Matildas goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold – who flung herself at the ball to no avail – by surprise.
The Matildas had chances to equalise, including a late header from Kennedy, but Japan held on to break the hosts’ hearts.
Foord’s frustration
It proved to be a tough night for Matildas star Caitlin Foord, who despite her hard work, lacked a killer instinct when it came to taking her chances.
The Arsenal attacker blew a great chance to give Australia the lead inside the first 10 minutes after being fed by playmaker Mary Fowler, whose pass found Foord unmarked in Japan’s penalty area.
However, with only Japan goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita to beat, Foord’s left-footed strike was weak and directed straight at the 30-year-old custodian, who dealt with it comfortably.
Foord wasted another chance in the 35th minute after intercepting a pass from Yamashita. Perhaps caught it two minds whether to shoot or wait for support, she blasted the ball across the face of goal without success.
Her rough night continued in first-half stoppage-time when she dragged a shot wide of the post after receiving a pass from Kerr.
“We had such an amazing opportunity to do something special, and I take a lot of responsibility (for the loss),” Foord said.
“I had three really, really good chances and I need to do better. It definitely hurts.”
One change
Matildas coach Joe Montemurro made one change to the team that started in Australia’s 2-1 semi-final win over China last Tuesday in Perth.
It came in defence, with Winonah Heatley recalled at the expense of centre-back Clare Hunt.
“Technically, we feel we’ve just for more passing opportunities playing out (from) the back,” Montemurro said in explaining his decision to opt for Italy-based Heatley over Tottenham’s Hunt.
“It was purely a technical decision.”
Japan named the same 11 that started in its comprehensive 4-1 midweek semi-final win over South Korea in Sydney.
