Women’s Asian Cup Final Live Updates: Australia face Japan for chance to lift major trophy
A red-hot Japan are all that stand between the Matildas and Asian Cup glory on home soil in a must-watch final in Sydney. Follow all the action with our live blog.
Soccer: A red-hot Japan are all that stand between the Matildas and Asian Cup glory on home soil in a must-watch final in Sydney.
Follow all the action with our live blog.
Aaron Kirby is reporting live.
Criss cross
The Matildas are having success entering the box from the side areas.
Torpey had a golden chance in the middle of the box but her concrete feet meant her shot went nowhere.
They had two more that looked to be dangerous but just couldn’t find a yellow shirt.
Japan then forced back another one with Torpey shy of taking another shot.
JPN 1 - AUS 0 71’
Matildas sub
Raso is on for the first time since the opening game of the tournament.
Gorry comes off for a well-earned rest.
The crowd were on their feet for Raso.
JPN 1 - AUS 0 64’
Save!
Arnold comes up big Ueki breaks past the last line after a great pass.
She was inside five metres of Arnold but blasted the ball straight to her for a simple save.
She then gets subbed off. She is leading the golden boot race.
JPN 1 - AUS 0 56’
Pressure on
Australia have come out firing and Japan look uncomfortable.
But the lack of a finishing touch means the Matildas still trail.
Kerr is looking to be the target more so far.
Japan had a golden chance to double the lead but a header from the middle of the box went wide with Catley just a step behind the play.
JPN 1 - AUS 0 53’
Back underway
Japan get the ball to start the half but Australia defend well.
They then get the ball up to Kerr but her cross lands at the feet of the Japanese defence.
JPN 1 - AUS 0 47’
HALFTIME: Japan 1 - Australia 0
Australia will be rueing their missed chances as Japan’s goal came from half a chance.
Foord has busted her gut but her finishing is hurting the Australians who are clear underdogs.
The good news is they are breaking down Japan enough to get shots away so hopefully they can make them count in the second half.
Three minutes
There is three minutes added to the end of the first half and Foord misses another chance.
Kerr feeds her the ball in the middle of the box and she gets a good touch but sprays the shot miles wide.
JPN 1 - AUS 0 47’
Rare blue
The Japanese keeper nearly gave Foord a gift!
The ball came back to her as Foord chased it down but she passed it straight to the Australian.
It was a difficult angle but the shot from Foord had no angle and Yamashita defleted it away with ease.
A third chance goes begging and it comes as Japan are asserting control on the game.
JPN 1 - AUS 0 36’
Staying brave
The Matildas are not going back into their shells after Japan hurt them with that goal.
Foord and Kerr continue to present a dangerous option in the final third while Gorry and Carpenter are busy.
Japan are just smothering them as much as possible.
JPN 1 - AUS 0 28’
Japan dagger!
From almost nothing the Japanese have created a goal!
It was a brilliant shot from Hamano at the edge of the box after a few crisp passes.
The shot swerves away from Arnold and into the bottom left corner.
JPN 1 - AUS 0 16’
