Almost 13 months to the day since the Matilda’s lost the Asian Cup final to Japan.
The match was a close affair played out in Thong Nhat stadium, Ho Chi Minnh City, which ended in a 1-0 score line thanks to a 28th minute goal from defender Iwashimizu Azusa.
This time around the Matilda’s need to watch out for Japan’s possession game and strong early pressure as Japan have scored all their goals bar one in the first half. Having conceded both their goals late in the second half suggests that Japan has fatigue or fitness issues.
For Australia to have a strong chance of winning, the Matildas need to keep Japan scoreless or be a draw at half time. From there they should pressure Japan high up the pitch as they are easier to exploit defensively towards the end of the games.
Prediction: Australia to win in extra time 2-1
Game time: 6am 28th June 2015
