Matildas Suffer Worst Ever Defeat to Japan in SheBelieves Cup Opener

Image credits: Getty Images: ISI Photos/USSF/Brad Smith

The Matildas have fallen to a disappointing 4-0 defeat to Japan in the opening match of the SheBelieves Cup, highlighting a significant technical gap between the two teams. Japan, ranked seventh in the world, dominated the match from start to finish, with Mina Tanaka scoring a first-half double and Maika Hamano and Moeka Minami adding to the tally in the second half. The loss is Australia's worst ever defeat to Japan and raises serious concerns about their preparations for the Asian Cup, which they will host next year.

The Matildas' performance was marred by poor defense, with Japan's dynamic and industrious forwards running rings around the experienced Australian backline. The team's midfield was also overrun, with Kyra Cooney-Cross and Katrina Gorry struggling to make an impact. The technical superiority of the Japanese team was evident throughout the match, with their precise and incisive passing leaving the Matildas chasing shadows. The physical difference between the two teams was also apparent, with Japan's players appearing more agile and quicker than their Australian counterparts.

The match statistics make for grim reading for the Matildas, with Japan enjoying 64% of possession and having 18 shots on goal to Australia's one. The Matildas' lone shot on target came in the 87th minute, when substitute Charli Grant hit the crossbar. The team's inability to create scoring opportunities was a major concern, and interim coach Tom Sermanni will need to address this issue ahead of their next match against the USA. The tactical approach of the Matildas will also need to be re-evaluated, with the team struggling to cope with Japan's high-intensity pressing and clever movement off the ball.

Here are the match scores:

• Mina Tanaka 6' 32'
• Maika Hamano 52'
• Moeka Minami 75'

The Matildas will need to regroup and refocus ahead of their next match against the USA, who are the reigning Olympic champions and world number ones. The team will need to improve their performance significantly if they are to have any chance of competing with the top teams in the world. With the Asian Cup looming, the Matildas will need to learn from their mistakes and work on their weaknesses if they are to have any chance of success on home soil.

The loss to Japan has raised concerns about the Matildas' preparations for the Asian Cup, with many questioning the team's ability to compete with the top teams in the region. The team's lack of preparation and cohesion was evident throughout the match, and interim coach Tom Sermanni will need to work on building a more solid foundation for the team ahead of the tournament. The Matildas will need to use this loss as a learning experience and work on improving their performance if they are to have any chance of success in the Asian Cup.

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