Australia: The Lucky Country again?

Matildas lost 3-1 to Japan overnight but qualified for an Asia Cup Semi-Final against North Korea by just one Clare Polkinghorne goal late into the game.

A stunning defeat, the Matildas were 3-0 down at half-time.

Worryingly the Aussies now meet their Olympic conquerors, North Korea in the Semi's.

Is this the end of the road? Highlights SBS today 5pm

MATILDAS CLAIM ASIAN CUP SEMI FINAL BERTH DESPITE JAPANESE DEFEAT





Australia have narrowly claimed a semi final berth at the 2008 AFC Women's Asian Cup on goal difference ahead of South Korea, after a 3-1 loss to Japan tonight in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

All three teams finished on six points but Australia qualified second in the group with a goal difference of 7-3 ahead of the Korean's goal difference of 5-3.

Australia will now meet Asia's top ranked side DPR (North) Korea in the semi final on Thursday (7pm AET). The other semi final will feature Japan and China.

Australia were down 2-0 at half time in a match again played in humid conditions, with rain later in the first half making for slippery conditions.

The Matildas were forced to rely on a rare goal from defender Clare Polkinghorne with 20 minutes remaining to progress to the next stage after being 3-0 down five minutes into the second half.

With a three way head-to-head being the first determining factor, Australia would have fallen behind South Korea in the race for the semi finals but for Polkinghorne's goal. With Japan ahead amongst the three teams that were equal on points, and goal difference equal between Australia and South Korea in matches featuring all three teams, goal difference across the entire group was the final determining factor.

"Whilst I am disappointed with the result and that we some lapses of concentration in defence, I am delighted with the character the team showed in claiming a semi final spot," says coach Tom Sermanni.

"Our team showed tremendous sprit and determination to come from behind to pull the goal back that we ultimately needed to reach the semis.

"Although the Japanese team had a largely changed line-up from the match two days ago, we had virtually the same team yet we finished the stronger which is a testament to this group of players."

For more match details see www.footballaustralia.com.au


Match Details:-

Australia 1 (Clare Polkinghorne 70')

Japan 3 (Kozue Ando 8', Yuki Nagasato 33', Aya Miyama 50')

Australian line-up: Melissa Barbieri (gk); Kim Carroll (Amber Neilson 85'), Kate McShea, Clare Polkinghorne, Di Alagich (Kyah Simon h/t), Ellyse Perry, Lauren Colthorpe, Collette McCallum, Heather Garriock, Lisa De Vanna, Kate Gill (Caitlin Munoz 65').

Cautions: Garriock 58', Munoz 79', McCallum, 86'

Referee: Hong Sil Ri (DPR Korea)



BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The Matildas squad for the 2008 AFC Women's Asian Cup:

Goalkeepers – Melissa Barbieri (Melbourne), Lydia Williams (Canberra)
Defenders – Di Alagich (Sydney), Kim Carroll (Brisbane), Kate McShea (Brisbane), Ellyse Perry (Sydney), Clare Polkinghorne (Brisbane), Karla Reuter (Brisbane), Cheryl Salisbury (Newcastle)
Midfielders – Tameka Butt (Gold Coast), Amy Chapman (Canberra), Lauren Colthorpe (Brisbane), Heather Garriock (Sydney), Ella Mastrantonio (Perth), Collette McCallum (Perth), Amber Neilson (Newcastle)

Forwards – Lisa De Vanna (Perth), Kate Gill (Newcastle), Caitlin Munoz (Canberra), Kyah Simon (Sydney), Jenna Tristram (Brisbane),
(current home city)