Australia’s women footballers have beaten South Korea 2-1 in a semi-final of the Asian Women’s Cup in Ho Chi Minh City.
The Matildas will now face Japan in Sunday’s final after the reigning world champions and Olympic silver medallists edged China with a dramatic 1-0 extra-time win in their semi-final.
The decisive moment for Australia came 14 minutes from full time as midfielder Elise Kellond-Knight delivered a low free-kick from near the sideline which crept past the far post after deceiving both the defence and goalkeeper.
Katrina Gorry had given the defending champions a perfect start to the second half with a superb strike from outside the penalty area for her third goal in as many matches.
However Korea drew level within a matter of minutes as Park Eun Sun netted from the penalty spot following a questionable spot-kick awarded against Michelle Heyman.
Australia started the match strongly but goalkeeper Lydia Williams was soon required to make a crucial close-range block from Yoo Young A, while at the other end was Heyman was similarly denied by Kim Jung Mi.
Heyman hit the crossbar with a towering header midway through the second half and, although Australia dominated lengthy periods of the contest, extra time was looming before Kellond-Knight’s intervention.
Substitute Sam Kerr seemed to have extended Australia’s lead with a superb first-time shot in the dying minutes only to be denied by a line-ball offside decision.
Earlier on Thursday night Japan won through to the final in dramatic circumstances with Azusa Iwashimizu netting the winner with the last kick of extra time.
“We have a little bit of an edge for the final given Japan had extra time, but of course they are world champs so we face a massive challenge on Sunday,” said Australia coach Alen Stajcic.
“I think this was our best performance of the tournament. We had so many chances and controlled them at the back. I couldn’t be happier with how we played, I’m ecstatic.”
Bondy
Guest
Matsu Well done " just " to good.
Midfielder
Guest
Fuss Unless the Asian cup is played in June there is no break long enough to hold the Asian Cup...
Matsu
Guest
What you said in the last sentence. !!! But I think you are wrong about the official FIFA stance on the Asian Cup and ANC. As I understand it, clubs have to negotiate with the NT officials if they want their players to stay in Europe, and while a big club can often exert pressure in many ways (or alternatively, offer some sop to the FA in return for leaving them out), the national team has the final say. If you know of a verifiable source that says otherwise please let me know, because I admit Im not sure... But I also recall numerous past cases of clubs commenting to the press(especially vis-a-vis the ANC): "our hands were tied. We had no choice but to let him go."
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
The 2015 Men's Asian Cup also doesn't fall within the FIFA International Calendar (same occurred at Asian Cup 2011), so clubs aren't obliged to release players. Same happens for the African Cup of Nations. It may be time for the Confederations to sit down & talk to FIFA, or start organising major tournaments withing the FIFA Calendar. The only difference is that the women's Asian Cup now also doubles as a World Cup Qualification.
Midfielder
Guest
Go girls....
Matsu
Guest
While I agree with this post, in principle, you have to look at some of the indicators which say the women's competition is receiving . . . . . shall we say . . . "less than enthusiastic support". Im not referring only to the lack of press coverage. I wonder if anyone else noted the fact that FIFA refused to ensure that players were released by their club teams DESPITE THE FACT THAT THIS WAS A WORLD CUP QUALIFICATION. I think Australia is the only country besides Japan to be affected, but players from Europe and North America did not have to be released by their club teams. I dont recall the name of the Aussie girl who plays in Europe but I read an article saying that she isnt in your team for this competition. In addition Japan's ace striker Yuki Ogimi - who scored the equaliser and set up another goal in our pool round matchup - has already returned to Europe and wont be available for the final. Arsenal's Mayumi Ono and Hoffenheim's Mana Iwabuchi were not even named to the roster, and the JFA had to strongarm Chelsea to get them to release Ogimi for the pool matches. It doesnt say much about the women's game if Asia's continental title is decided in a match that FIFA wont even sanction with an official "international week" recognition
Marc
Guest
That Homare Sawa header against China reminded me of her goal against the USA in the 2011 Women's World Cup. Sneaking in at the near post. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNMTCT1lyhs The Sawa goal is at 4:30 in.
Bondy
Guest
If I was Stajcic I'd continue with the smaller physique d technical ball players such as Gorry, Kerr, De Vanna Foord I'd possibly replace Weyman with Butt , also Gill only for 5 min's if the score lines tight and only aerially . Shocking dive by the Sth Korean lass though unfortunately effective at the time. Go girls.
The Auteur
Guest
More like Luke Brattan reminds me of Katrina Gorry!
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
Very rehearsed. You'll note that all the Japanese stay well clear of the near post, all but one actually in line or behind the far post. Sawa starts her run before the ball is struck. A very good set piece. Now this one from Kyoto Sanga takes "rehearsed" to an entirely new dimension :D http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1MudP7ZHYg
Lazza
Guest
It's the fastest growing women's sport in the country.
Punter
Guest
Griffo, I coach an over 35s women's team in the Manly Warringah competition, there are some ex state league players & the odd ex Maltilda. My team is running 2nd (mainly all new but fit players) in division 1 & there are 3 divisions of 8 teams each of an over 35s competition. The standard is fairly reasonable. Amazing.
Matty C
Guest
Is it just me or does Katrina Gorry remind anyone else of Luke Brattan in both the way she receives and distributes the ball and her tenacity when making challenges?
Griffo
Roar Guru
I was thinking this as well... Around my area the number of all-junior teams and comps is growing every year, and there are still the 'regular' teams with boys and girls playing together, not to mention youth development that includes girls as well. Only in a commercial sense at senior levels is there are differentiation between male and female. It's a positive for football that should only grow.
Griffo
Roar Guru
It looked like the Chinese were zonal defending but Sawa came from deep and from the blind side of the defenders to get into position - almost a rehearsed move...good goal either way.
Post_hoc
Guest
I don't want to divert the topic, but it is once again something our sport has over others. A legitimate competition for females. This isn't some mickey mouse after thought in my view. Rugby League views females as being mums and cheer leaders at best and something else rather less by some people, the AFL see them as a side show. Female football is a big think for football, our Matlidas are a great asset and should make Australia proud that our team does so well
Catnap
Guest
One of the dangers against japan is that they hammered us down the left side and Allen could not cope if she plays there again she will need a lot of help !!!!!!
JonJax
Guest
Katrina Gorry hitting some pearlers out of midfield is proving to be a real pocket dynamo for the Matildas.
Michael
Guest
Thank you. Late Sunday night....
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
Got it. The goal is at the start of the clip http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHrynTd3P2g Their #12 Nakajima (ironically the one who gave away the penalty) is really good with the ball at her feet. Some impressive ball control indeed (can't see any of it in the clip, sadly). They also have a striker, Takase, who loves taking runs that split the defence so we'll need some pace at the back if we play a high line.