SOCCER: Hosts Australia chase rare major trophy in Asian Cup decider against formidable Japan

MELBOURNE – Australia coach Joe Montemurro is calling for bravery from his players and hoping for more magic from Sam Kerr as the Matildas take on strong favorites and familiar rivals Japan in the Women’s Asian Cup final at Stadium Australia in Sydney on Saturday.

The tournament, which has already broken attendance records, will conclude with a sell-out crowd in what promises to be a dream final for local fans and organizers.

While Australia has not experienced the same “Matildas Mania” that swept the nation during their home World Cup run in 2023, the team has earned widespread praise for standing firm under pressure as hosts.

Their campaign has been gritty and determined, if not always elegant, but it has been enough to secure a shot at a second Asian Cup trophy, 16 years after their first in 2010. A 16-year-old Kerr played a pivotal role in that triumph, scoring in the final against North Korea.

Now 32, Kerr has once again put the Matildas in contention, delivering a classy second-half winner against China in the semi-finals. Montemurro will hope for a repeat performance from Australia’s talismanic forward.

This could be the last chance for members of Australia’s so-called “Golden Generation” to win a major trophy, with veterans like Katrina Gorry, Emily van Egmond, and Steph Catley approaching the latter stages of their careers. Both young and experienced players will need to step up to support the front three of Kerr, Mary Fowler, and Caitlin Foord while also containing Japan’s potent attack.

The Japanese team, known as the Nadeshiko, has been unstoppable, scoring 28 goals in five matches and conceding just once in a 4-1 semi-final win over South Korea. West Ham United striker Riko Ueki leads the tournament with six goals, though Japan has threats from all areas of the pitch.

Relentless Pressure

Japan’s high-possession, relentless style has proved too much for opponents, including South Korea, who struggled despite a five-back formation. Montemurro has worked to instill a similar style in the Matildas with partial success.

Under Danish head coach Nils Nielsen, Japan’s first foreign boss, the Nadeshiko have made significant strides since their quarter-final exits at the 2023 World Cup and Paris Olympics. Nielsen previously oversaw a 4-0 win over Australia during last year’s SheBelieves Cup in the United States.

Japan is well-acquainted with the Australians. Nielsen’s experience in the Women’s Super League at Manchester City gave him insight into players like Mary Fowler and Alanna Kennedy. His Australian assistant coach Leah Blayney, a former 16-cap Matilda, has also coached several of Montemurro’s squad in junior national teams.

While the Matildas often thrive in front of a supportive home crowd, Japan has history on its side. The Nadeshiko secured their Asian Cup titles by beating Australia 1-0 in the 2014 and 2018 finals in Vietnam and Jordan.

On Saturday, it will take something truly special from the Matildas to avoid a third heartbreak against their familiar rivals.

-Reporting by Ian Ransom in Melbourne; Editing by Peter Rutherford/Reuters