Matildas: Look who scored from 30 yards!

MATILDAS TAKE GIANT STEP TOWARDS SEMI FINAL BERTH


Australia are just a whisker away from a semi final berth at the AFC Women's Asian Cup after a solid 2-0 win over South Korea tonight at the Thong Nat Stadium in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Defender Ellyse Perry scored a deserved opening goal for Australia hitting a spectacular low drive from 30 yards on the half hour mark.

The Matildas doubled their advantage mid-way through the second half with Lisa De Vanna racing onto a Heather Garriock pass to outpace the defence and finish past an exposed Korean goalkeeper.

Australia were impressive in dominating possession and created numerous goal scoring opportunities throughout the match while at the other end Australian goalkeeper Melissa Barbieri was rarely troubled.

The win means Australia face Japan on Monday needing just a draw to guarantee top spot in Group B and with it a semi final appearance. Australia could still miss out on the semi finals if they lose to Japan, and South Korea secure a heavy victory over Chinese Taipei.

"It was an extremely pleasing result not only in terms of the scoreline but also the football performance," said coach Tom Sermanni.

"We dominated lengthy periods of the match but couldn't quite convert that into goals but aside from that it was extremely pleasing.

"We now have to focus on regrouping and focussing our energies towards the Japan match tomorrow."

Australia now meet Japan in the final group game on Monday at 8pm (AEST).

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

Match Details:-

Australia 2 (Ellyse Perry 30', Lisa De Vanna 70')

South Korea 0

Australian line-up: Melissa Barbieri (gk); Ellyse Perry, Cheryl Salisbury (Kate McShea 38'), Clare Polkinghorne, Di Alagich, Amy Chapman (Kyah Simon 68'), Lauren Colthorpe, Collette McCallum, Heather Garriock, Lisa De Vanna (Caitlin Munoz 78'), Kate Gill.

Cautions: nil

Referee: Bentla D'Coth (India)



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)
First Round
Wednesday - 28 May 2008
Match 1: China vs Thailand
Match 2: DPR Korea vs Vietnam

Thursday - 29 May 2008
Match 3: Australia vs Chinese Taipei
Match 4: Japan vs Korea Republic

Friday - 30 May 2008
Match 5: Thailand vs DPR Korea
Match 6: Vietnam vs China

Saturday - 31 May 2008
Match 7: Chinese Taipei vs Japan
Match 8: Korea Republic vs Australia

Sunday - 1 June 2008
Match 9: China vs DPR Korea
Match 10: Thailand vs Vietnam

Monday - 2 June 2008
Match 11: Australia vs Japan
Match 12: Chinese Taipei vs Korea Republic

Tuesday - 3 June 2008 - Rest Day
Wednesday - 4 June 2008 - Rest Day

Semi Finals
Thursday - 5 June 2008
Match 13: Winner Group A v Runner-Up Group B
Match 14:Winner Group B v Runner-Up Group A

Friday - 6 June 2008 - Rest Day
Saturday 7 June 2008 - Rest Day

Finals & 3rd/4th Play Off
Sunday - 8 June 2008
3rd/4th Play Off: Loser Match 13 vs Loser Match 14
Final: Winner Match 14 vs Winner Match 14