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The dream run for Australia is over and what a sweet dream it was. A 1-0 victory to Japan in the quarter final sees them qualify for the Semi Finals while simultaneously eliminating the Matildas from the World Cup.
What Happened
It was a match made in heaven: Asia’s two best teams and arch rivals playing an Asian Cup Final rematch in the Quarter Final of a World Cup. Japan taking on the inspirational Matildas was what the scriptwriters had been angling for, and under the scorching Edmonton sun it was the former that came out on top courtesy of a Mana Iwabuchi tap-in in the 87th minute.
It was a tough, tight tussle that seemed destined for extra time. Australia defending as if their lives were depending on it all afternoon, and the Japanese using all their skill, quick thinking and pace to try and outdo an opponent that had their physical number. Japan crossed regularly, dominating the midfield and the wing, and only the best defenders in the best form could have kept them out as long as Australia did.
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| The Matildas train at Valentine Sports Park in the lead up to the World Cup. Credit: Football NSW |
The stats will read that Japan had more possession, more shots and spent more time in attacking positions than Australia. That only tells half the story. The reality is that passes didn’t find yellow shirts as often as we have become accustom to, and the shots the Matildas had were all from positions that were never really going to threaten.
But take nothing away from this Australian side, for in the end it was a goal-mouth scramble from Japan’s eighth corner that knocked them out of the World Cup. For four games of football and 86 minutes the Australians took it to the best teams the planet has on it and did remarkably well, and it took Japan’s best performance in very trying conditions to end that run.
Stand Out Performances
Elise Kellond-Knight was instrumental at the back for the Matildas, constantly thwarting Japanese moves and her stubborn defending ensured that the Australians were in the game until its dying moments. Her ability to deal with the incisive crosses from the reigning world champions was particularly pleasing and along with Stephanie Catley, Laura Alleway and Clare Polkinghorne she formed one of the most respected defensive units across the entire tournament.
For the victors, Mana Iwabuchi put in a stellar effort after coming off the bench, lifting her team’s tempo and eventually tapping in the winning goal with a handful of minutes left. But her inspired performance was notable because of the way in which she took advantage of the tiring Matildas, her fresh mind and fresh legs eventually being the difference between the two sides that couldn’t otherwise be separated.
Talking Points
Japan finally put in a performance worthy of their status as World Champions, having coasted through the group stage and round of 16 with just a few beads of sweat broken. Against the Matildas they were made to work much harder for their supper, and their passing game improved as a result. More often they were able to get behind Australian defenders, which will please coach Norio Sasaki, as they reminded the world of their 2011 heroics. Could this be the kick that their title defence needs?
What it Means
For the Matildas tears will turn to reflection, and then a realisation that the incredible performance over the last few weeks has changed the women’s game in Australia for the good. Never before has an Australian women’s football team received so much media attention, and although they weren’t able to pull off the magical upset a whole continent was hoping for, they’ve done themselves and their countrymen and women very, very proud.
For the Japanese the journey rolls on to the semi-finals where they’ll take on the winner of England or hosts Canada. Finally the mighty Japanese title defence is being tested. They answered against Australia, but it only gets tougher from here.
Needs Work
Japan looked composed throughout the entire match, even as the scores were locked 0-0 with 10 minutes remaining. While they felt safe in the knowledge that they would eventually get the breakthrough they can’t leave it that late in the remaining matches. The goal was a scramble and fairly lucky to begin with against the ragged, stressed and tired Matildas. They may not find it so easy to steal a victory when they come against a more mature and composed team.
What Next
Japan now move on to the semi finals where they will face the winner of England vs Canada. Australia are eliminated from the World Cup but can travel home with their heads held high as they have made the whole nation proud.
Goal of the Day
Only one goal separated the two teams and it was by no means a cracker, but Japan got their reward for persistent and patient play. The ball bounced through a congested box and despite an initial block from Kellond-Knight it fell to Iwabuchi who tucked it home. It was unlucky for the Australians but someone had to clear the ball.
Miss of the Day
Not so much a howling miss, but a miss that would have been an incredible goal. Japanese captain Aya Miyama nearly gave the defending champions the lead midway through the second half with a silky back-heel flick just missing at the near post. Check it out in the highlights above if you missed it.
But take nothing away from this Australian side, for in the end it was a goal-mouth scramble from Japan’s eighth corner that knocked them out of the World Cup. For four games of football and 86 minutes the Australians took it to the best teams the planet has on it and did remarkably well, and it took Japan’s best performance in very trying conditions to end that run.
Stand Out Performances
Elise Kellond-Knight was instrumental at the back for the Matildas, constantly thwarting Japanese moves and her stubborn defending ensured that the Australians were in the game until its dying moments. Her ability to deal with the incisive crosses from the reigning world champions was particularly pleasing and along with Stephanie Catley, Laura Alleway and Clare Polkinghorne she formed one of the most respected defensive units across the entire tournament.
For the victors, Mana Iwabuchi put in a stellar effort after coming off the bench, lifting her team’s tempo and eventually tapping in the winning goal with a handful of minutes left. But her inspired performance was notable because of the way in which she took advantage of the tiring Matildas, her fresh mind and fresh legs eventually being the difference between the two sides that couldn’t otherwise be separated.
Talking Points
Japan finally put in a performance worthy of their status as World Champions, having coasted through the group stage and round of 16 with just a few beads of sweat broken. Against the Matildas they were made to work much harder for their supper, and their passing game improved as a result. More often they were able to get behind Australian defenders, which will please coach Norio Sasaki, as they reminded the world of their 2011 heroics. Could this be the kick that their title defence needs?
What it Means
For the Matildas tears will turn to reflection, and then a realisation that the incredible performance over the last few weeks has changed the women’s game in Australia for the good. Never before has an Australian women’s football team received so much media attention, and although they weren’t able to pull off the magical upset a whole continent was hoping for, they’ve done themselves and their countrymen and women very, very proud.
For the Japanese the journey rolls on to the semi-finals where they’ll take on the winner of England or hosts Canada. Finally the mighty Japanese title defence is being tested. They answered against Australia, but it only gets tougher from here.
Needs Work
Japan looked composed throughout the entire match, even as the scores were locked 0-0 with 10 minutes remaining. While they felt safe in the knowledge that they would eventually get the breakthrough they can’t leave it that late in the remaining matches. The goal was a scramble and fairly lucky to begin with against the ragged, stressed and tired Matildas. They may not find it so easy to steal a victory when they come against a more mature and composed team.
What Next
Japan now move on to the semi finals where they will face the winner of England vs Canada. Australia are eliminated from the World Cup but can travel home with their heads held high as they have made the whole nation proud.
Goal of the Day
Only one goal separated the two teams and it was by no means a cracker, but Japan got their reward for persistent and patient play. The ball bounced through a congested box and despite an initial block from Kellond-Knight it fell to Iwabuchi who tucked it home. It was unlucky for the Australians but someone had to clear the ball.
Miss of the Day
Not so much a howling miss, but a miss that would have been an incredible goal. Japanese captain Aya Miyama nearly gave the defending champions the lead midway through the second half with a silky back-heel flick just missing at the near post. Check it out in the highlights above if you missed it.