Is there any challenge more difficult in football than pitting yourself against the reigning world champions? Perhaps not.
Well what about the challenge of taking on the world’s best, while at the same time attempting to create your own piece of history?
The Matildas earned the right to take this challenge against Japan in the final of the 2014 AFC Women’s Asian Cup.
History was on the line in both camps – Japan was attempting to win its first Asian Cup title, while we were hoping to retain our grip on the trophy we famously brought home back in 2010. No pressure.
In the lead up to the big game, Twitter, Facebook and email inboxes were flooded with messages of support from all over the world. Albeit a small contingent of Aussie fans in the stands, they represented the hearts of many supporters from afar.
In the lead up to kick-off I experienced moments of nostalgia. Having already qualified for the group stage of the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada, they had one last objective to fulfill.
If there ever was an ‘ideal’ time to face Japan, it was Sunday night. Considering they had players unavailable due to club commitments, they’d also played 30 minutes of extra time in their semi-final against China to qualify for the final. Could it be that the world champions were ripe for the picking?
“We knew we had to make most of the chance considering multiple factors affecting the Japanese outfit. Not that we approached the game differently, no team can ever afford to do that against a powerhouse such as Japan,” Matildas co-captain Clare Polkinghorne said.
“Our attention was focused on what we could control – we knew we were healthy and had prepared as best we could. We just knew we were not going to leave anything else out there.”
Holding on desperately in the dying minutes, the ladies epitomised the Aussie spirit.
As the game went on Japan had the lion’s share of possession but that didn’t deter the Australians. Alas history was made, albeit Blue Samurai history.
Japan was the eventual winner by the solitary goal. The world champions could now declare themselves Asian champions.
Although the Asian Cup is not ours anymore, striving for improvement will be a constant. According to ‘Polky’ this is an ongoing journey, and one that isn’t decided by the result of one game.
“Improving our football is obviously an endless goal, not only individually but collectively and we believe we’re doing that,” she said confidently.
“During this Asian Cup the periods of when we kept possession and dictated the tempo of play were positive steps forward.
“However with that, where we can improve is being more consistent with our level of possession and work towards dominating for the game’s entirety, not just in patches.”
With any tournament involving back-to-back games, so many players fulfill integral roles.
Polky emphasised her satisfaction with the entire squad and support staff, and beyond that provided three notable mentions.
“Lisa (De Vanna) stepped up and led from the front line – she’s always such a threat to defenders, continually wreaking havoc. ‘Mini’ [Katrina Gorry, simply for her goal-scoring ability in such critical moments. ‘Teigs’ (Teigan Allen) has been a real work horse. She played all but 45 minutes in the tournament and has been so consistent and reliable.
“All in all you can’t fault anyone’s efforts. We were all working towards the exact same thing, and Staj made sure we were all on the same page and clear about our objectives.”
With only limited preparation under interim coach Alen Stajcic, the playing group was quick to adjust and embraced the direction, said Polkinghorne.
“’Staj’ has been really positive and working in his favour is his familiarity with each player. He knows the strengths individually but also the style of football that suits the type of players we have. He has done a great job in getting everyone focused on what is needed.”
Irrespective of Japan missing some integral players, they still are a world-class team. However, key indicators would suggest that we too are on the verge of a similar class.
Despite the heartbreaking defeat, the sense of drive Staj has injected into the playing group has been clear.
Three clear objectives were made heading into the tournament: qualify for the World Cup, win the Asian Cup and improve our football.
What’s that old saying? Two out of three ain’t bad.
I guess all that’s now left for us to do is to start making travel plans for Canada next year.
Well done, Matildas.