Japan v Australia report by FFA

Japan 1 - Australia 1


The hot and humid conditions did nothing to affect either teams determination with Japan and Australia playing out an evenly-matched first half.

Both teams dominated at times with Australia's Marianna Tabain, Elise Kellond-Knight and Courtney Beutel combining well early to cause Japan problems in their defensive half. Japan also applied pressure taking their opportunities from corners and throw-ins with keeper Casey Dumont collecting and clearing well for Australia.

The second half began with Japan's intensity dropping and Australia looking to capitalise early with Karina Roweth, Ashleigh Sykes and Teigan Allen combining well through the field only to be stalled by Japan's back line.

A Japanese counter attack in the 66th minute culminated in a sensational curving strike from 25 metres out by Mana Iwabuchi, which found the top right corner of the goal for the first score of the game.

Australia fought back with captain Tameka Butt's free kick pass to Samantha Kerr eventually forcing a corner in the 72nd minute. Kellond-Knight's ball in from the corner to the far post was just sent wide by a header from Kerr.

Two Australian attacks late in the half met with no success until the 88th minute when a great cross from Roweth pinpointed an attacking Kyah Simon just outside the 6-yard box. Simon showed brilliant skill sending a neat looping header over the keeper to equalise.

The remaining few minutes were hard-fought but each defence held out and full time saw both sides sharing the points.

"The draw was a fair reflection on the match and both teams had chances to win the game," said Head Coach Alen Stajcic.

"It was a great game. We know we were up against a world class team, one we hope to meet again later in the tournament.

"I was very pleased with the attitude of our team. We played hard for the full 90 minutes, ran and defended all day. I am very proud of the team's effort.

"In one respect we were fortunate to get the late goal to equalise, but we had four or five outstanding chances to win the game so although I'm pleased to get a point, the result is somewhat bitter-sweet," Stajcic said.


written by Football Federation Australia