Miserable Cup opener for Matildas as they suffer 4-0 defeat by Japan

MATILDAS DEFENCE CRUMBLES IN 4-0 LOSS TO JAPAN

The Matildas’ hopes of home Asian Cup glory have been handed a stern reality check after a disastrous defensive showing dealt Australia a thumping 4-0 defeat to Japan.

Friday’s SheBelieves Cup opener in Houston, against Asia’s top team, was meant to be an ideal litmus test for Australia just over a year out from the tournament. Instead, alarm bells are ringing for the Matildas after suffering their heaviest defeat to Japan.

Australia are yet to appoint a permanent head coach, but interim coach Tom Sermanni fielded a full-strength team, bar Sam Kerr, with high hopes on Friday. But in a horror first half against the world No.8, it quickly became clear just how much work the Matildas have to do.

“It was one of those games where we were outplayed basically from the start straight through to the finish of the game in basically every department,” Sermanni said after the match.

“We were outplayed football wise we were outplayed physically, we were outplayed I think mentally, outplayed on our decision-making, there wasn’t a lot of positive things to take away from today’s performance.

“Sometimes you’ve just got to give credit to the opposition, Japan were outstanding today and I think played very, very well.”

Defensive mix-ups allowed Mina Tanaka to score in the fifth and 32nd minutes and leave Australia shell shocked.

Tanaka turned provider for Maika Hamano in the 52nd minute, before Moeka Minami headed home in the 75th to seal a dominant victory.

Australia registered one shot to Japan’s 18, including eight on target, as they were overwhelmed by an ominous Nadeshiko.

The Matildas struggled to get in-form Manchester City gun Mary Fowler involved and struggled to keep a foot on the ball, but most concerning was a lack of connection in an experienced defence - Steph Catley, Clare Hunt, Alanna Kennedy, Ellie Carpenter and goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold.

“Probably the most disappointing thing was...I just felt some of the goals that we gave up were very poor, and that’s kind of un-Australian,” Sermanni said.

“We want to be a team that’s hard to beat and to be honest today we really gave up some soft goals but overall, more than a fair result.”

Australia face the United States in Glendale on Monday (AEDT) before meeting Colombia in San Diego on Thursday.

AAP and Frances Howe

Japan score again with two-time goalscorer Mina Tanaka assisting Maika Hamano’s goal.

Australia 0-3 Japan, 52 minutes

The Matildas are looking for any opportunity to take something back from Japan in the last minutes of this game.

There will be two minutes of additional time.

Australia 0-4 Japan, 90 minutes

The Matildas still have not had a single shot on goal in this match and have maintained just 40 per cent possession over the ball.

It’s a very crowded box for Japan as Australia try to prevent a fifth goal.

Australia 0-4 Japan, 80 minutes

A silly mistake from Clare Hunt leads to a corner for Japan. Emily Van Egmond replaces Katrina Gorry before the corner kick is taken but it doesn’t stop Japan from taking advantage of Hunt’s mistake.

Moeka Minami rises higher than Mackenzie Arnold to head the ball into the goal.

Australia 0-4 Japan, 74 minutes

Tom Sermanni is throwing everything to the wall and making four substitutions in the 63rd minute.

Mary Fowler, Caitlin Foord, Alanna Kennedy and Clare Hunt come off for Holly McNamara, Daniela Galic, Charli Grant and Winonah Heatley.

Australia 0-3 Japan, 63 minutes

Riko Ueki and Hinata Miyazawa come on for Japan and Miyazawa makes an immediate impact forcing Mackenzie Arnold into a save. Ellie Carpenter clears it.

Australia 0-3 Japan, 60 minutes