Matildas: Korea is now a crucial game.
Korea Republic beat Japan 3-1 last night in the Matildas group in the Asia Cup. So the group is now wide open.
The Matildas play Korea on Saturday; a win would mean the Matildas have four points, but would still need to beat Japan or draw on Monday, assuming all teams beat Taiwan.
Alternatively a defeat tomorrow, would mean a draw or a win against Japan would still see them through, but make the Japan game just a bit more nerve-racking.
Japan are ranked significantly higher than Korea so the next two games will be interesting!
From the highlights show on SBS:
Matildas played a very young side, but came through comfortably despite the conditions.
Ellyse Perry continues to shine. Some talent. Her crosses from the right, plus a rasping shot from 25 yards were wonderful.
I'd be surprised if she doesn't retain her place, and ditch that cricket:)
Heather Garriock took her goals well.
Canberra keeper Lydia Williams looked a little shaky on high balls.
Interesting to see Lauren Colthope in midfield.
Kim Carroll, Jenna Tristram have all worked hard to get back in the squad and got good game time.
Kyah Simon was quiet but showed enough.
The pitch was diabolical and made the game a total farce. With players reduced to juggling the ball to get it moving. What would happen if it rains against Japan or Korea?
A lot of experience to be added for the next game. The players should be fresh and ready to go.
And if it doesn't rain, the Matildas might get to play some real football.
4 comments:
Any news on the squad for tonight.
Any news on a result?
Matildas 2 - Korea Republic (South Korea) 0
Just need a point against Japan to qualify for the semis.
Matildas close in on final four
HO CHI MINH CITY - Australia closed in on a place in the semi-finals of the AFC Women's Asian Cup after defeating Korea Republic 2-0 at Thong Nat Stadium on Saturday.
A goal in each half from Ellyse Perry and Lisa De Vanna secured Australia their second successive victory in Group A to move them top with six points.
They will need just a point from their final game against Japan to keep alive their hopes of improving on their runner-up finish in the 2006 edition of the tournament.
The Matildas first tested Korea Republic in the second minute when De Vanna hooked a pass to Heather Garriock but she stabbed a shot into the hands of goalkeeper Kim Jung-mi.
Kim had to scramble to deny the lively Garriock again five minutes later when the midfielder's shot through a crowded defence took a deflection.
Kathryn Gill shot wide from a corner in the 22nd minute as Australia continued to exert pressure on the Korean defence but Tom Sermanni's side deservedly took the lead seven minutes later.
Collette McCallum's free-kick on the edge of the area rebounded back off the wall but Perry was on hand to despatch a fine 25-yard drive that nestled in the back of the net.
Korea Republic then finally had a chance of their own when Park Hee-young's close-range effort was saved by Melissa Barbieri.
De Vanna forced keeper Kim into another save soon after while Gill failed to get a shot on target from Garriock's dangerous cross.
Soon after the restart De Vanna again went close when she out-muscled a Korean defender to poke a shot that went inches wide of the left post.
Hong Kyung-suk failed to trouble Barbieri with her long-range effort in the 55th minute before De Vanna spurned a golden opportunity to extend Australia's lead when she fired over the bar after connecting with Garriock's inviting cross.
The diminutive Amy Chapman saw her long-range drive comfortably saved in the 66th minute while the lively De Vanna compounded to fire high over the bar when in a good position.
But she finally got just reward for tormenting the Korean defence throughout the second half when she broke free in the 68th minute before coolly despatching a low shot beyond goalkeeper Kim.
De Vanna was denied a second in the 74th minute when Kim tipped over her fine shot from the edge of the area.
The Koreans’ enjoyed a late spell of pressure as the looked to reduce the deficit with Kwon Han-nui's shot saved by Barbieri in the closing stages but Australia held firm to preserve their clean sheet.
great stuff matildas!!!!
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