If the Matildas needed any warning of the huge challenge they will face in the Women’s Asian Cup final on Saturday, Japan fired a shot across their bow in a commanding semi-final victory over South Korea. Japan, who are two-time Asian Cup winners, cruised through the group stage and scored 24 times without conceding before facing South Korea at Stadium Australia on Wednesday night. But in perhaps their first genuine test of the tournament, Japan found another gear as they enjoyed 64% possession and completed 88% of their 590 passes against the Taegeuk Ladies. Japan’s third goal might strike just as much fear into the Matildas’ defence, as veteran Saki Kumagai leapt highest to put away a corner. Those meetings include two Women’s Asian Cup deciders, when Japan twice broke the Matildas’ hearts with narrow 1-0 triumphs in 2014 and 2018.

Source: The Guardian March 19, 2026 13:04 UTC