The Australia Matildas have conceded an 86th-minute goal to lose to
Japan 1-0 in their Women's World Cup quarter-final in Canada
Photo Source: Getty Images
The Matildas' Women's World Cup dream has been snuffed out
by a 1-0 quarter-final loss to Japan in Canada.
After weathering 85 minutes of the world champions'
attacking efforts, Australia were undone by Mana Iwabuchi's scrappy goal.
The Japanese substitute found space at the back post to beat
Lydia Williams and end the Matildas' run at the quarter-final stage for the
third straight World Cup.
The victory was all Japan deserved after a bright and
organised show, but left the Australians shattered with extra-time looming.
The result mirrors the Matildas' loss in last year's Asian
Cup final and sends Japan into the last four, where they will play England or
Canada.
Coach Alen Stajcic conceded Japan were deserved winners.
"In terms of courage, heart and spirit, (the Matildas
were) fantastic. In terms of execution, not one of our best games," he
said.
"Japan were the better team today. It was a scrappy way
to score a goal but you can't say they didn't deserve their victory."
Australia were left in the shade by an energetic Japanese
outfit, with centre-backs Laura Alleway and Alanna Kennedy among the Matildas'
busiest and best players.
Kicking off in bright Edmonton sunshine, coach Alen Stajcic
reversed his line-up from the team that beat Brazil, restoring Katrina Gorry
and Kyah Simon to the starting XI.
Despite Stajcic's pre-match comments that Australia were the
fittest team left in the tournament, Japan were working harder.
Japan's sharp passing game allowed them to dictate terms,
with their commitment to defensive structures giving them a firm grip on the
match.
In the opening 10 minutes, Azusa Iwashimizu denied Simon at
the last moment with a sliding tackle, while veteran striker Shinobu Ohno
tested the Matildas' defence.
The Matildas were reliant on wide forwards Lisa De Vanna and
Sam Kerr to dribble their way into attack.
Kerr's steal and run brought a yellow card to Iwashimizu on
the edge of the area, but Kennedy's free-kick failed to test Japanese
goalkeeper Ayumi Kaihori.
After the break, Mizuho Sakaguchi coughed up the ball to
allow Kerr an opportunity, although her shot was too tame.
At the other end, Japanese captain Aya Miyama's backheel
flick went narrowly wide with keeper Williams in attention.
Stajcic threw on Larissa Crummer and Michelle Heyman as he
looked for a way to break Japan down.
Japan's corner count of 8-0 showed their domination, with
Australia unable to use their height advantage from set pieces.
From their final corner came the goal, with Australia unable
to clear the attack allowing Iwabuchi to slide in at the back post
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