March 18 – Australia are through to the final of their home Women’s Asian Cup after goals from the two superstar forwards, Caitlin Foord and Sam Kerr, powered them to to a hard-fought 2-1 win over defending champions China at the Perth Stadium.
China have long been a force in the Women’s Asian Cup, winning the title nine times in the last 15 editions. Australia have won the title just once, in 2010, and will now face either Japan or South Korea at Stadium Australia in Sydney on Saturday.
China had to reshape their attack with Shao Ziqin and Wurigumula leading with Wang Shuang suspended. Australia saw Steph Catley returned to their starting lineup alongside Kyra Cooney-Cross.
It was Australia who had the first opportunity with Foord delivering a cross into the box to Mary Fowler, who angled her shot over the bar.
Five minutes later when Wurigumula released Zhang Linyan who shot straight at Australia keeper Mackenzie Arnold.
In the 17th minute Australia were in front. Fowler released Ellie Carpenter on the right who set up Caitlin Foord, who finished with a powerful drive into the bottom left corner.
China were pressing hard and in the 26th minute their pressure paid off. Clare Hunt misjudged Yao Wei’s deflected cross, allowing Linyan to break into the box only to be brought down by Arnold. Linyan made no mistake from the spot to equalise.
China kept the pressure on at the start of the second half, but it was Australia, driven on by their fans, who regained the lead in the 58th minute after the imperious Foord played in captain Kerr (pictured top), who beat her marker for pace before brilliantly beating China’s goalkeeper Peng Shimeng from an acute angle.
China worked their bench with Jin Kun, Li Qintong and Liu Jing pushing for an equaliser but Australia held firm to book their place in the final for the fourth time in six editions.
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