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Friday 29 August 2008

Young Matildas 3 Japan 3.

Kyah Simon and Emily Van Egmond score for Australia....

"It was a much better performance today. The score was 3-3 which isn't much different to the other day (Young Matildas lost 4-3 on Wednesday) but the quality of play was much better today. Kyah Simon (2) and Emily Van Egmond scored the goals, but we dominated for maybe 70% of play today. From that point of view the scoreline might have been disappointing," said Young Matildas Coach Alen Stajic speaking from the AIS training grounds in Canberra.

"Young Ashley Sykes, the Dubbo girl, had a one on one with a minute to go but the keeper put on a good save, so maybe we could have nicked it, but overall it was a much better performance today.

"We had five or six girls who are a real threat going forward. Kyah Simon (NSW) is fantastic, Emily Van Egmond (NSW), Young Sam Kerr (WA), Theresa Polias (NSW)and Ange Formida (SA) so we've got five or six who are really dangerous, who can strike from anywhere," reflected Stajic.

The Young Matildas have two games against China Under 20's at the AIS next month before heading for their Pre-World Cup Qualifiers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 15-25 October against Iran, India, Krzygstan, Thailand and Chinese Taipai.

The top two will qualify for the Asian Cup which also act as World Cup Qualifiers.

"This is only our third camp together so we're going well.

"The China games will be against a team a couple of years older than our girls, it will be a real physical hit-out for our girls against a side about to go to the Youth World Cup so that will be a real test." added Stajic.

The pre-World Cup qualifier competition is currently expected to end on October 25th putting some doubt on Young Matildas availability for the first W-League round.

The W-League is expected to start on October 26th. Date still to be confirmed.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Yes, the Young Matildas played a very different game than from Wednesday - the back line was stunning. Unlike Wednesday, today the Japanese could not get their set plays going and there were only 1 or 2 corners so that shows the backs also did a good job on the day too.Congratulations to all the girls in the team and also the coaches.

Anonymous said...

Who was in the team? who is in the backline? No info really on the YM's which is disappointing.

Eamonn said...

I agree FFA don't seem to realise or be able to release this info.

Coach can hardly be expected to name the side and subs in a phone interview.

I'll raise the issue with the FFA but they are becoming a prickly, precious lot.

In my view they still undervalue the women's game.

Anonymous said...

The backline for the second game comprised of three ACTAS girls plus an interstate player. Bronwyn Studman, Chrissy Walters and Bec Kiting made up the heart of defence at centre, right & centre back respectively - all are Robbie Hooker trained.

Anonymous said...

Pleased to see that the backs are also getting recognition as it is not just the goal scorers who make the game a success.

Anonymous said...

Well done backline and yes a little reconigtion goes a long way. 11 players on the pitch make a team not just the forwards or scorers. Well done to the Canberra ACTAS girls.