Source : ABC NEWS
The Women’s Asian Cup reaches its pinnacle tonight when the hosts, the Matildas, face the world number six Japan in the final in Sydney.
They’ve had very different paths to get here, but both insist it’s time to throw the form guide away because anything goes in the decider.
Nadeshiko Japan are led by eccentric coach Nils Nielsen, who had some fascinating thoughts on which team is the favourite heading into the game.
They are stacked with world-class talent, with most playing in England’s world-leading Women’s Super League.
Matildas boss Joe Montemurro only took over last June and has been determined to instil his possession-based, entertainment plus philosophy in the team, which has ebbed and flowed during the tournament.
All the players you’d expect to perform have shone, and now they are desperate to cap it all off with their first major trophy since the 2010 Asian Cup.
ABC Sport is covering all the action, so make sure to bookmark abc.net.au/news/sport on your phone and computer.
This is how to watch and follow the Matildas vs Japan.
What time do the Matildas play Japan?
The Women’s Asian Cup final between the Matildas and Japan is on Saturday, March 21, at Stadium Australia in Sydney at 8pm AEDT, which is:
- 8pm in NSW, ACT, Victoria, Tasmania
- 7:30pm in South Australia
- 7pm in Queensland
- 6:30pm in the Northern Territory
- 5pm in Western Australia
How can I watch and follow the Matildas?
ABC Sport is live blogging the match, and we have everything else you need to know about the tournament here.
We are also calling the game live on radio, with a dedicated Asian Cup button on ABC Listen online or via the app.
Ned Hall will lead the call alongside former Matilda Amy Harrison and sideline reporter Niav Owens.
The final will be shown live and free on Network 10, or with a subscription on Paramount+.
Are there any tickets left?
If you’re having last-minute FOMO and are in or around Sydney, there were still tickets available at the time of publishing.
Matildas vice-captain Ellie Carpenter poses with the trophy. (Getty Images: Cameron Spencer)
Stadium Australia at Sydney Olympic Park holds 79,500 for this tournament.
While it’s not a sell-out yet, a big crowd is expected — more than 60,000 fans attended the group stage game against South Korea.
If you are heading to the game, public transport will be your best bet, as it’s a packed sporting schedule in the precinct tonight.
The GWS Giants are playing at the Showground, and the Sydney Kings are hosting game 1 of the NBL Championship series at the Arena.
How did both teams get here?
In short, Japan has done it with incredible ease and dominance, while the Matildas have fought and scrapped every step of the way.
Japan has scored 28 goals and conceded just one in cruising through all five of its games so far.
Maika Hamano scored a breathtaking goal in Japan’s semifinal win. (Getty Images: Brendon Thorne)
After opening with two straightforward wins, the Matildas had that tough 3-3 draw with South Korea, a win against the odds versus North Korea in the quarterfinals, and an improved performance against China in the semis.
It’s fitting that the pundits’ pick from the start, Japan, will play the people’s champions, the Matildas, to decide this edition of the continental championship.
Who will play for the Matildas?
The good news is that everyone is fit.
There were some nervous murmurs when captain Sam Kerr didn’t front up for the pre-match press conference, as is usually tradition for the skipper before a big game.
But Montemurro said that Kerr is ready to continue her unbelievable purple patch.
Sam Kerr has been in vintage form throughout this tournament. (Getty Images: Paul Kane)
Winger Hayley Raso was a first-choice starter at the beginning of the tournament, but after missing two games with concussion, Montemurro decided to keep Mary Fowler up front.
It seems unlikely that he’ll change his front three of Kerr, Fowler, and Caitlin Foord at this stage.
It’s also worth seeing whether there’s any movement at the back.
Kaitlyn Torpey was a concussion replacement for Steph Catley in the quarterfinals, then kept her spot at left-back for the semi, with Catley shifted to central defence.
Clare Hunt didn’t have her best game in the semi, with Wini Heatley impactful when she came on to partner Catley at centre-back.
The midfield of Alanna Kennedy, Kyra Cooney-Cross, and Katrina Gorry was firing, and it’s hard to imagine any changes there, while Mackenzie Arnold will stay between the sticks.
Click here for our analysis of the Matildas’ semifinal win, and here for a complete guide to the entire Matildas squad.
How do I sign up for ABC Sport alerts?
If you want to be alerted about all the biggest sporting news, make sure to download the ABC News app on your mobile phone.
Then head to “profile and settings”, tap “notifications”, then switch on the “breaking news” slider and tap “sport” under the topics section.
