Matildas vs Japan: Asian Cup Final Preview & Odds – Can Australia Upset the Reigning Champs?
SYDNEY, Australia – The Australian Matildas are heading into Saturday’s AFC Women’s Asian Cup final against either Japan or South Korea as underdogs, following a hard-fought 2-1 victory over China in the semi-final on Tuesday night. However, the path to the final for Japan appears significantly less arduous, having dispatched South Korea 4-1 on Wednesday, setting up a rematch of the 2014 and 2018 finals, both of which Japan won 1-0.
The final, scheduled for at Stadium Australia in Sydney, presents the Matildas with a challenging opportunity to secure their first major trophy since 2010. The weight of expectation on the home team is considerable, but Japan’s dominant form throughout the tournament suggests they will be formidable opponents.
Japan’s semi-final performance against South Korea was particularly impressive. Goals from Riko Ueki, Maika Hamano, Saki Kumagai and Remina Chiba secured a comfortable victory, and remarkably, the team conceded their first goal of the tournament in the 78th minute when Kang Chae-rim scored a consolation for South Korea. This single goal conceded across five games underscores Japan’s defensive solidity and attacking prowess. They have scored a staggering 28 goals in the tournament thus far.
The historical head-to-head record between Australia and Japan doesn’t favor the Matildas. Since the 2014 Asian Cup, the two nations have met ten times, with Japan winning five, Australia winning three (their most recent victory coming at the 2018 Tournament of Nations), and two matches ending in draws. More recently, Japan secured a decisive 4-0 victory over Australia in the SheBelieves Cup just over a year ago, adding to the psychological challenge facing the Matildas.
The Matildas’ semi-final against China was a closer affair. They secured a 2-1 win in Perth, demonstrating resilience and determination to reach the final. While the victory was crucial, it wasn’t without its challenges, and the team will demand to elevate their performance to compete with Japan’s current form.
The upcoming final is not just a battle for the Asian Cup title; it also carries implications for qualification for the Women’s World Cup. The tournament serves as a pathway for Asian teams to secure their spots in the global competition, adding another layer of significance to the match.
Japan’s dominance throughout the tournament has been striking. Their ability to control games, create numerous scoring opportunities, and maintain a near-impenetrable defense has made them the clear favorites. The Nadeshiko, as they are known, have displayed a level of consistency and efficiency that few teams can match. Their coach, Nils Nielsen, appears to have instilled a sense of destiny within the squad, with their performances suggesting a team fully focused on achieving their goals.
The Matildas, however, have the advantage of playing on home soil and will undoubtedly receive fervent support from the Australian crowd. The atmosphere at Stadium Australia on is expected to be electric, potentially providing a significant boost to the team’s morale and performance. Overcoming the historical disadvantage and Japan’s current form will require a monumental effort, but the Matildas have proven their ability to rise to the occasion in crucial moments.
The final promises to be a captivating contest, pitting Australia’s home advantage and determined spirit against Japan’s tactical superiority and tournament dominance. For the Matildas, it’s a chance to break their trophy drought and claim a historic victory on home soil. For Japan, it’s an opportunity to reaffirm their status as the leading force in women’s football in Asia and add another chapter to their already impressive legacy.
Following the semi-finals, World Cup play-in matches are scheduled for at Gold Coast Stadium, featuring Uzbekistan versus the Philippines and Chinese Taipei against North Korea. These matches will determine additional qualifiers for the Women’s World Cup, adding further intrigue to the closing stages of the tournament.