Westfield Matildas keeper Lydia Williams says despite Japan missing players, the world champions will still be a massive threat when they meet Australia.
“It will be an interesting tournament, Japan are missing four or five of their players. Their respective European clubs won’t release them. Kozue Ando and Shinobu Ohno for example,” Williams said when asked about Wednesday night’s blockbuster.
Japan is reigning world champion and Australia reigning AFC Asian Cup champion, which makes for a blockbuster clash between the two group heavyweights.
Australia is also in with host nation Vietnam and Jordan.
“They will still be a quality side, but their absence will leave significant gaps in Japan’s strongest starting team,” added Williams.
For more on Lydia Williams Tap Here for retired Matilda Sally Shipard’s column where she speaks with the American based keeper.
Don’t forget Fox Sports will broadcast live and exclusive the Westfield Matildas’ tilt at AFC Asian Cup glory in Vietnam, starting on Wednesday night.
The live coverage features commentary from Fox Sports Hyundai A-League commentator Brenton Speed who’ll be joined by former Matildas striker Sarah Walsh.
Fox Sports will air all three Aussie group matches live beginning with Wednesday’s massive showdown against Japan. The broadcast kicks off at 11.05pm on Fox Sports 3HD & Fox Sports 3.
Fox Sports will continue to follow Australia’s Asian Cup bid through the finals should they advance to the last four.
AFC WOMEN’S ASIAN CUP FOX SPORTS BROADCAST SCHEDULE
WED 14 MAY: AUSTRALIA V JAPAN FOX SPORTS 3HD & FOX SPORTS 3?LIVE, 11.05pm
FRI 16 MAY: AUSTRALIA V JORDAN FOX SPORTS 1HD & FOX SPORTS 1?LIVE, 8.05pm
SUN 18 MAY: AUSTRALIA V VIETNAM FOX SPORTS 2HD & FOX SPORTS 2?LIVE, 10.05pm
Westfield Matildas Squad for AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2014
Teigen ALLEN – Defender (Western Sydney Wanderers), Laura ALLEWAY – Defender (Brisbane Roar), Nicola BOLGER – Midfielder (Sydney FC), Tameka BUTT – Midfielder (Brisbane Roar), Kim CARROLL – Defender (Brisbane Roar), Stephanie CATLEY – Defender (Melbourne Victory), Brianna DAVEY – Goalkeeper (Melbourne Victory), Lisa DE VANNA – Forward (Boston Breakers), Casey DUMONT – Goalkeeper (Sydney FC), Caitlin FOORD – Forward (Sky Blue FC, USA), Kate GILL – Forward (Perth Glory), Katrina GORRY – Midfielder (Brisbane Roar), Michelle HEYMAN – Forward (Canberra United), Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT – Midfielder (Brisbane Roar), Alanna KENNEDY – Defender (Western Sydney Wanderers), Samantha KERR – Midfielder (Western New York Flash, USA), Leena KHAMIS – Forward (Sydney FC), Teresa POLIAS – Midfielder (Sydney FC), Clare POLKINGHORNE – Defender (Brisbane Roar), Hayley RASO – Forward (Brisbane Roar), Ashleigh SYKES – Midfielder (Canberra United), Emily VAN EGMOND – Midfielder (Western Sydney Wanderers), Lydia WILLIAMS – Goalkeeper (Western New York Flash, USA)
** Emma Checker and Amy Harrison were added to the list submitted by Westfield Matildas Interim Head Coach Alen Stajcic after the AFC Women’s Committee amended a regulation to allow participating Member Federations (countries) a total of 25 registered players for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2015, two more than the number originally permitted.
Both Checker and Harrison will remain in Australia on stand-by until required, whilst the rest of the squad is in Vietnam.