Australia set for clash with nine-time champions China
The Matildas are preparing to face defending Asian Cup champion and former Australian player Ante Milicic in a high-stakes Women's Asia Cup semifinal on Tuesday night. Two key players have returned from injury following successful post-concussion testing, adding relief for fans ahead of the Perth showdown against China's nine-time title-winning squad. Matildas coach Joe Montemurro has urged his team to be brave and respectful in their upcoming match with a side that is determined not only on winning but also enjoying every moment under pressure from Milicici
Key Points
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1The Matildas will play defending champions China in an AFC Women's Asian Cup semi-final match at Perth on March 16, with two star players returning after passing concussion tests.
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2Matilda coach Joe Montemurro has praised his friend and opponent Ante Milicic as a special Australian-produced talent while urging the team to be brave against their tough task ahead of Tuesday night's game in Australia
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3China head coach Ante Milicic stated that defending champions will give everything they have during this difficult match, despite acknowledging it is challenging.
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4The Matildas reached the semi-final stage after a 2-1 victory over North Korea where they were initially on the back foot before winning.
Developments
The Women's Asian Cup semi-final between the nine-time champion China and host nation Australia will be a tactical battle led by former Socceroos assistant Ante Milicic for Beijing against Joe Montemurro. Two star players, vice-captain Steph Catley and winger Hayley Raso, are expected to return after passing concussion tests following recent injuries in matches last week.
Australia (ranked 15th) and China (world No. 17), led by former Matildas head coach Ante Milicic in a semi-final at Optus Stadium, will face off with Montemurro praising his predecessor's tactical acumen while acknowledging the need for respect during their upcoming match against defending champions who are playing without suspended star Wang Shuang.
Australia coach Joe Montemurro urged his team to focus on ball control against defending champions China in their Women's Asian Cup semi-final. Key Matildas Steph Catley and Hayley Raso are fit for the match where midfielder Emily van Egmond will become Australia's most-capped player, while Chinese striker Wang Shuang is suspended due to a yellow card received earlier that week.
Defending champion coach Ante Milicic stated that the Chinese team will give its all against host Australia on Tuesday night despite acknowledging their recovery phase following recent matches. Meanwhile, Australian head coach Joe Montemurro noted his side struggled with possession and needs to make better decisions when they have control of the ball ahead of this semifinal encounter in Perth.
Matildas head coach Joe Montemurro praised former teammate Ante Milicic as one of Australia's best coaching exports while acknowledging the tactical challenge posed by his friend. In their upcoming Women's Asian Cup semifinal at Optus Stadium, China stands between Matilda and a final spot after facing them in previous matches under both coaches' leadership since 2019.