Our three Australians fell just short in the Asian Cup final, going down 1-0 to Japan in Sydney.
Steph Catley, Caitlin Foord and Kyra Cooney-Cross all started for Joe Montemurro’s side at the Australia Stadium, and it one of our Gunners who had the best chance early on.
Foord was found well by Mary Fowler but our forward was only able to shoot straight at Ayaka Yamashita in the Japan net.
Seven minutes later it was Japan who made the breakthrough after 17 minutes through Maika Hamano with a beauty from the edge of the box, giving Mackenzie Arnold no chance.
Foord continued to prove a threat all half, having two further efforts but wasn’t able to find the leveller before the interval.
The Matildas continued to push in the second half. Cooney-Cross launched an ambitious effort from the halfway line, but couldn’t catch out Yamashita.
Down the other end, Riko Ueki could’ve doubled Japan’s lead after being slipped through by Hamano but could only fire at Arnold.
Despite late pressure, the Matildas couldn’t break down a stubborn Japan side as the visitors held on to win a third Asian Cup trophy.
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