The Qantas Young Matildas have qualified for the FIFA U-20 Women's World Championship in dramatic circumstances after coming from behind to defeat Japan 3-2 with a goal two minutes from time in the Asian qualifying tournament in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia overnight.
The Qantas Matildas creating history by being the first Australian team to qualify for a FIFA World Championship since Australia became a member of the Asian Football Confederation on January 1.
Vice-Captain Collette McCallum scored the winner to complete a remarkable comeback after the Qantas Young Matildas had faced elimination being 2-1 down with just 15 minutes remaining. Perth-raised McCallum, already a veteran of 11 appearances for the Qantas Matildas, scored with a close range finish after a ball played across the face of goal by Sasha McDonnell.
Japan opened the scoring in just the 11th minute through Mizuho Sakaguchi, however Australia equalised eight minutes later courtesy of striker Leena Khamis after Leah Blayney had provided the final pass.
In a high quality match that saw numerous goalscoring opportunities for both teams, Japan again took the lead with a goal by Yuki Nagasai nine minutes after the interval before substitute Jenna Tristram had drawn the two sides level on the 75th minute mark.
"Full credit must go to this group of players who have twice come from behind to overpower a Japanese side widely acknowledged as the fittest and best side in the tournament," said Qantas Young Matildas coach Alistair Edwards.
“We displayed a balance of the traditional fighting spirit that Aussies are renowned for and combined that with some outstanding passages of technical football."
"The performance today capped off a memorable tournament for us and we have definitely made a lasting and positive impression as the first Australian team to play in an AFC finals tournament."
The result ensured Australia finished third in the tournament joining both finalists - China and DPR (North) Korea - representing the AFC at the World Championship. China, whom Australia defeated in the opening match of the tournament, were crowned Asian champions after defeating the Koreans 1-0 in the final.
The FIFA U-20 Women's World Championship will be held in Russia August 17 - September 3 with the draw to be conducted on Saturday. Australia will join China, DPR Korea, USA, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, New Zealand, France, Germany, Finland, Switzerland, host nation Russia plus two African qualifiers in the 16-nation tournament.
Australia 3 (Leena Khamis 19, Jenna Tristram 75', Collette McCallum 88')
Japan 2 (Mizuho Sakaguchi 11', Yuki Nagasai 54')
Australia line-up: Lydia Williams (gk); Clare Polkinghorne, Kim Carroll, Nicole Somi (Danielle Brogan h/t), Olivia Kennedy; Sally Shipard (c), Kylie Ledbrook, Collette McCallum, Leah Blayney; Leena Khamis (Jenna Tristram 50'), Sasha McDonnell,
Subs Not used: Alison Logue (gk), Amy Jackson, Grace Gill, Renee Cartwright, Servet Uzunlar, Caitlin Cooper, Victoria Balomenos,
Cautions: Blayney 63'
Referee: Hong Li (China)
Young Matildas Qualify
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Re: Young Matildas Qualify
WELL DONE GIRLS WELL DONE COLLETTE!!!admin wrote:The Qantas Young Matildas have qualified for the FIFA U-20 Women's World Championship in dramatic circumstances after coming from behind to defeat Japan 3-2 with a goal two minutes from time in the Asian qualifying tournament in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia overnight.
The Qantas Matildas creating history by being the first Australian team to qualify for a FIFA World Championship since Australia became a member of the Asian Football Confederation on January 1.
Vice-Captain Collette McCallum scored the winner to complete a remarkable comeback after the Qantas Young Matildas had faced elimination being 2-1 down with just 15 minutes remaining. Perth-raised McCallum, already a veteran of 11 appearances for the Qantas Matildas, scored with a close range finish after a ball played across the face of goal by Sasha McDonnell.
Japan opened the scoring in just the 11th minute through Mizuho Sakaguchi, however Australia equalised eight minutes later courtesy of striker Leena Khamis after Leah Blayney had provided the final pass.
In a high quality match that saw numerous goalscoring opportunities for both teams, Japan again took the lead with a goal by Yuki Nagasai nine minutes after the interval before substitute Jenna Tristram had drawn the two sides level on the 75th minute mark.
"Full credit must go to this group of players who have twice come from behind to overpower a Japanese side widely acknowledged as the fittest and best side in the tournament," said Qantas Young Matildas coach Alistair Edwards.
“We displayed a balance of the traditional fighting spirit that Aussies are renowned for and combined that with some outstanding passages of technical football."
"The performance today capped off a memorable tournament for us and we have definitely made a lasting and positive impression as the first Australian team to play in an AFC finals tournament."
The result ensured Australia finished third in the tournament joining both finalists - China and DPR (North) Korea - representing the AFC at the World Championship. China, whom Australia defeated in the opening match of the tournament, were crowned Asian champions after defeating the Koreans 1-0 in the final.
The FIFA U-20 Women's World Championship will be held in Russia August 17 - September 3 with the draw to be conducted on Saturday. Australia will join China, DPR Korea, USA, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, New Zealand, France, Germany, Finland, Switzerland, host nation Russia plus two African qualifiers in the 16-nation tournament.
Australia 3 (Leena Khamis 19, Jenna Tristram 75', Collette McCallum 88')
Japan 2 (Mizuho Sakaguchi 11', Yuki Nagasai 54')
Australia line-up: Lydia Williams (gk); Clare Polkinghorne, Kim Carroll, Nicole Somi (Danielle Brogan h/t), Olivia Kennedy; Sally Shipard (c), Kylie Ledbrook, Collette McCallum, Leah Blayney; Leena Khamis (Jenna Tristram 50'), Sasha McDonnell,
Subs Not used: Alison Logue (gk), Amy Jackson, Grace Gill, Renee Cartwright, Servet Uzunlar, Caitlin Cooper, Victoria Balomenos,
Cautions: Blayney 63'
Referee: Hong Li (China)
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