Next Generation of Matildas Primed

BillShankly · Post by **BillShankly** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 5:35 pm

The next generation of Matildas will face their own date with World Cup destiny later this week when the Young Matildas compete in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U-19 Women's Championship in China. The top three nations at the tournament will earn a berth at next year's FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup to be played in Chile.

The championship commences on Saturday in Chongqing with Australiaâ€™s first match against Japan. It will be followed by another tough match for Australia against reigning U-20 World Champions DPR Korea, before the final group match against Myanmar.

The top two teams from each group will then meet in the semi finals, with the other group containing hosts China, Korea Republic, Thailand and Chinese Taipei.

Captain Lydia Williams and vice-captain Clare Polkinghorne will back up from their efforts with the Matildas World Cup squad to lead the Young Matildas. While the experience of Williams and Polkinghorne will be invaluable, there are also a number of other players in the squad with previous experience at this level, with Olivia Kennedy, Caitlin Cooper, Servet Uzunlar, Grace Gill and Victoria Balomenos, all part of the squad that went to the FIFA U-20 Womenâ€™s World Championship in Russia last year. Sydney-based defender Cooper, who will join Polkinghorne as vice-captain, is in her third campaign having also been part of the squad which reached the quarter finals of the U-20 World Cup in Thailand in 2004.

"The opening match against Japan is likely to be crucial in determining the outcome of the group with our second group match against reigning world champions DPR Korea," said Young Matildas coach Alen Stajcic.

"Our group is undoubtedly the toughest of the two given DPR Korea's pedigree and also Japan who are likely to prove the best technical team in Asia.

"Obviously our goal is to qualify for the World Cup, but also to help prepare the next generation of Matildas.

"The fact the Matildas did so well on the world stage has given the squad an added level of confidence going into this tournament."

The full squad is:
Goalkeepers: Lydia Williams (ACT), Casey Dumont (Qld), Rachel Cooper (NSW)

Defenders: Caitlin Cooper (NSW), Clare Polkinghorne (Qld), Grace Gill-McGrath (ACT), Stacey Day (SA), Rachel Doyle (NSW)

Midfielders: Lyndsay Glohe (NSW), Olivia Kennedy (NSW), Ellyse Perry (NSW), Elise Kellond-Knight (Qld), Teresa Polias (NSW), Renee Rollason (NSW), Tameka Butt (Qld), Ella Mastrantonio (WA)

Forwards: Jenna Kinglsey (NSW), Servet Uzunlar (NSW), Kyah Simon (NSW), Ashleigh Connor (NSW), Victoria Balomenos (SA)

AFC U-19 Women's Championship Fixtures:

Sat 6 Oct - Australia v Japan
Chongqing Olympic Sports Centre Stadium

Mon 8 Oct - Australia v DPR Korea
Chongqing Olympic Sports Centre Stadium

Wed 10 Oct - Australia v Myanmar
Datianwan Stadium

Sat 13 Oct - Semi Finals
Chongqing Olympic Sports Centre Stadium

Tues 16 Oct - Final and 3/4 match
Chongqing Olympic Sports Centre Stadium

The Young Matildas completed final preparations for the championship with a two-match series this week against China where they lost 1-0 and drew 0-0 against the tournament host nation.

See the following link for more information on the team:-
http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/Wom ... _womenu20s

soccagrl · Post by **soccagrl** » Thu Oct 04, 2007 12:48 am

will they broadcast the games on sbs?

billy the kid · Post by **billy the kid** » Thu Oct 04, 2007 10:27 am

2 measley representatives from SA. IS THAT ALL???

When will the mob on Valetta have to answer the hard questions about our State's continual poor showing in the squads???????

diegom · Post by **diegom** » Thu Oct 04, 2007 10:42 am

Yeah I hope they get their games broadcast.
I wolud love to watch them.

PS, some very Good talent in that squad!

KrAzY · Post by **KrAzY** » Thu Oct 04, 2007 12:17 pm

2 in the team - 4 on stand by

deyy · Post by **deyy** » Thu Oct 04, 2007 5:24 pm

Apparently our games arnt gettin shown as it's only the qualifiers. Not sure why after the Matilda's did so well in pullin numbers in to wach their games. Oh well thats womens football for u!

Should be a good game against Japan. Really looking forward to it. Team vibes really good round the hotel so thats always good.

Bring on the Japanese!

Unretired · Post by **Unretired** » Thu Oct 04, 2007 5:27 pm

Good luck Deyy,

Hope you all do really well over there.

deyy · Post by **deyy** » Thu Oct 04, 2007 5:33 pm

Thanks Mrs Trainer. Nerves are starting to set in a little.

soccagrl · Post by **soccagrl** » Thu Oct 04, 2007 6:12 pm

good luck to the matildas pitty there not showing it on sbs

beaches · Post by **beaches** » Fri Oct 05, 2007 5:30 am

Geez Billy the Kid. When are you going to let up, this is the first time since Stacey Stocco playing in a Young Matilda's, that there has been any SA players in the Final Squad. Fair effort to have the 2 South Aussies in. Also have the Assistant Coach.

Kirrals · Post by **Kirrals** » Fri Oct 05, 2007 4:04 pm

Well said beachesssss!

and goooodluck to stace and vic!!

standard bodychecks thanks! haha

oOoItsMe · Post by **oOoItsMe** » Sat Oct 06, 2007 7:25 pm

does any1 know the scores yet?

SpazzTic · Post by **SpazzTic** » Sat Oct 06, 2007 8:14 pm

The Young Matildas will go into tonightâ€™s AFC U/19 Womenâ€™s Championship match against Japan, knowing a result is a must if they are to have any chance of getting through to the next FIFA U/20 Womenâ€™s Championship finals.

Placed in a tough group along with Japan, reigning world champions DPR Korea and Myanmar, the Young Matildas will need to be at their best against Japan, who will no doubt be looking for revenge after their exit to Australia at the last AFC Championship.

Coach Alen Stajcic has already said he thinks Japan is technically the best side at these Championships and his side will have to play well if they are to get the result they need. Only the top two from each group will go through to the semi finals and the chance to play at the next world championship.

Stajcic starting eleven for the clash is: Lydia Williams (gk), Clare Polkinghorne, Rachel Doyle, Caitlin Cooper, Lydnsay Glohe, Ellyse Perry, Renee Rollason, Teresa Polias, Elise Kellond-Knight, Tameka Butt, Vicki Balomenos.

The match kicks off at 8.15pm AEST.

so not sure if it is finished yet.. Good to see Vic is in the starting 11

oOoItsMe · Post by **oOoItsMe** » Sat Oct 06, 2007 10:13 pm

the young matildas lost 1-0

deyy · Post by **deyy** » Sun Oct 07, 2007 12:29 am

we were robbed.. alot of dodgey call go against us... fought right to the end in true australian style n nearly got an equaliser.

good effort by the girls!

soccagrl · Post by **soccagrl** » Sun Oct 07, 2007 9:08 am

its ok looking at the score the game seemed tight. do the girls still have a chance of qualifying?

oOoItsMe · Post by **oOoItsMe** » Sun Oct 07, 2007 1:51 pm

there should be..

SpazzTic · Post by **SpazzTic** » Sun Oct 07, 2007 2:06 pm

They have to beat Korea who are the defending champions

deyy · Post by **deyy** » Sun Oct 07, 2007 10:56 pm

Im thinkin we can draw but need Nth Korea to beat Japan in their last game and then we need to beat Myanmar by more than 3-0. Will Just make things harder if we draw.

Kirrals · Post by **Kirrals** » Sun Oct 07, 2007 11:14 pm

Heres my gooodluck wishes bein sent to both vic and stace for 2moz game (oh and kev just on the off chance he reads this) haha!!! So goodluck #119 (bhahaha unlucky) and #14... wouldnt mind a win guys!! Once again "double footers" and standard "bodychecks" are required!! all the best!! and dnt come off 2nd best- go in hard as u got nufin to lose!!

soccagrl · Post by **soccagrl** » Sun Oct 07, 2007 11:23 pm

the matildas will beat korea

SpazzTic · Post by **SpazzTic** » Mon Oct 08, 2007 8:22 am

The match Report

The Young Matildas have lost their opening match of the AFC U/19 Womenâ€™s Championships, 1-0 to a very good Japan side in Chongqing, China.

The result leaves the side needing to beat defending world champions DPR Korea in its final group match to have any chance of qualifying for the semi finals and a possible place at next years FIFA U/20 World Championships.

Japan dominated the first half and were rewarded with a half time lead thanks to a 21stt minute goal from Kira, who pounced after the ball ricocheting amongst legs in the penalty box.

In the opening five minutes, Young Matildas keeper Lydia Williams had to make two good stops to deny Japan, while overall the Japanese controlled possession and had more shots at goal than Australia.

Japan started the second half, much like the first half and Williams again was in the thick of the action, making a sensational save in the 52nd minute to prevent Japan doubling their lead.

It was only with 20 minutes to go that Australia was able to put any real pressure on the Japanese goal with Elise Kellond-Knight (twice) and Caitlin Cooper having chances to equalise, but were unable to fin the target.

Coach Alen Stajcic said the girls will now have to regroup for a do-or die clash with DPR Korea in two days time.

â€œJapan were technically better than us and more consistent throughout the game, but we had the better of them physically,â€ Stajcic said.

â€œWe dominated the last 20 minutes, going for the equaliser and created a few good chances but unfortunately we just couldn't get the last touch.

â€œNow we will regroup over the next day and prepare for the next game against DPR Korea, which we must win.â€

Match Details

Australia 0
Japan 1 (Kira 21â€™)

Australian line-up: Lydia Williams (gk), Clare Polkinghorne, Rachel Doyle, Caitlin Cooper, Lydnsay Glohe, Ellyse Perry (Servet Uzunlar 56'), Renee Rollason (Kyah Simon 65'), Teresa Polias, Elise Kellond-Knight, Tameka Butt, Vicki Balomenos (Jenna Kinglsey 72')
Subs Not Used: Olivia Kennedy, Grace Gill, Stacey Day, Ella Mastrantonio, Ashleigh Connor, Casey Dumont, Rachel Cooper

Cautions: Rollason (23â€™), Kellond-Knight (36â€™)

Good Luck Girls!!

oOoItsMe · Post by **oOoItsMe** » Mon Oct 08, 2007 8:56 pm

does any1 know what time the young matildas play korea?

soccagrl · Post by **soccagrl** » Mon Oct 08, 2007 10:17 pm

the girls lost 2-1 to dpr korea

Kirrals · Post by **Kirrals** » Mon Oct 08, 2007 10:42 pm

In with a chance all game with the score locked at 1-1 until late in 2nd half of normal time a penalty was given to nth korea and they scored from it.. ending the close game at 2-1 after 90 mins! gutsy effort by all the girls!! but unfortunately girls have now failed to qualify!

billy the kid · Post by **billy the kid** » Tue Oct 09, 2007 8:12 am

Still no answer to my question!

Heads up girls. The results will come our way.

beaches wrote:Geez Billy the Kid. When are you going to let up, this is the first time since Stacey Stocco playing in a Young Matilda's, that there has been any SA players in the Final Squad. Fair effort to have the 2 South Aussies in. Also have the Assistant Coach.

ecky_8 · Post by **ecky_8** » Tue Oct 09, 2007 10:35 am

Billy the Kid, get over it. u may have a point but ur not going to get an answer on this forum. go take it to Valetta if u've got a problem!

bad luck girls, seems like they were pretty tight games.
wat was the line up 4 us gainst DPR Korea? did Vic or stacey play?

SpazzTic · Post by **SpazzTic** » Tue Oct 09, 2007 1:55 pm

Vic played (subbed 62nd minute) but Stacey didnt

billy the kid · Post by **billy the kid** » Tue Oct 09, 2007 2:37 pm

SA Soccer is looking good.

ecky_8 · Post by **ecky_8** » Tue Oct 09, 2007 3:43 pm

SpazzTic wrote:Vic played (subbed 62nd minute) but Stacey didnt

thanx