The Australian Matildas defeated China PR 2-1 on Tuesday night to advance to the Women’s Asian Cup final. Caitlin Foord and Sam Kerr scored for Australia in front of 35,170 spectators at Optus Stadium in Perth. The victory secures Australia a spot in the championship match.
Winger Hayley Raso did not play in the semi-final. She remained on the bench as an unused substitute. Raso missed Australia’s previous two tournament matches, a 3-3 draw against South Korea and a 2-1 quarter-final win over North Korea, after sustaining a concussion. Head coach Joe Montemurro cleared Raso to play prior to kickoff but opted not to utilize her during the match.
Montemurro stated the decision to keep Raso on the sideline was tactical. “I was hoping it was going to open up a little bit more towards the end, but it didn’t, and we needed more to hold the middle areas,” Montemurro said following the match. “But Hayley’s ready to go.”
Australia controlled 55.7 percent of the possession against China, an increase from the 38 percent they recorded against North Korea. China generated 14 shots on goal compared to eight for Australia. Montemurro told reporters the team must be proactive and braver with the ball. The Matildas now prepare for the championship match as they pursue their first major tournament silverware in international sports since their 2010 Asian Cup triumph.