Matildas face tough challenge at Asian Cup

Australia went down 1-0 to China as Matildas coach Tom Sermanni shuffled the decks, a la Sir Alex Ferguson. But unlike Sir Alex, the introduction of a world superstar just after half-time, in this case Lisa De Vanna, not only failed to change the score, but we saw her leave the field with what looked like a shocking injury.

When the Matildas face tournament favourites Japan or Korea DPR in their semi on Thursday, my money’s on the talented and free flowing Japanese.

Don’t miss it, as either way it’ll be a belter and a win will not only take the Australians to the AFC Asian Cup final but more importantly to the FIFA World Cup in Germany 2011.

But back to last night’s game.

The Aussies started poorly, played without real shape or an ability to keep the ball. Despite having Heather Garriock in the team it was a similar poor performance to that against group easy beats Vietnam in their tournament opener.

And it was no surprise when Avi Luik was poorly positioned defensively and China took the lead with a cracking finish. Karly Reuter had been similarly exposed seconds earlier on the opposite side and China failed to take advantage.

Maybe Lydia Williams could have saved the goal. I say maybe because when you see the saves she made in the rest of the game anything is possible for Lydia.

China pushed hard until half-time and in truth Australia created little and had little real ball. Sarah Walsh played wide in Sermanni’s 1-4-3-3 but had little impact.

Leena Khamis worked all game but didn’t really have that little bit extra that can so easily lift a team.

De Vanna came on early in the second half and the team lifted. Is she that inspirational or did Sermanni push Tameka Butt and Sam Kerr further forward?

Collette McCallum also added some much needed quality in the forward play when she came on and despite China having two or three clear chances to seal the game, it was Australia who finished stronger.

Khamis was denied a penalty according to the commentators but I was not convinced.

China certainly sat back. Both Leena Khamis and Collette McCallum went close, and Butt got into excellent positions on the right but failed to cross with quality time and time again. She’ll be disappointed but looked tired in the heat.

Next up is the semi, a mega clash no matter who.

The rested group of Lauren Colthorpe, Collette McCallum, Clare Polkinghorne, Katie Gill, Kim Carroll and Elise Kellond-Knight will surely all return.

Australia has two games to secure our place at the World Cup. The TV viewer will expect we have to do it without the mercurial Lisa De Vanna.

The Matildas, with or without De Vanna, showed tonight they have plenty to threaten any of the top teams in Asia.

With a stronger team line-up over the next two games, Sermanni will be very confident they can progress to the World Cup, although we may have to wait for the 3rd/4th play-off if Japan top their group.