Japan too good for Matildas in final outing before Olympics
July 15, 2021 â€" 7.32amThe Matildas fell 1-0 to Olympic hosts Japan in their final friendly before the Tokyo Games.
A penalty early in the second half proved the difference between the sides, Mana Iwabuchi scoring from the spot after a handball by Alanna Kennedy.
Goalkeeper Teagan Micah had to be at her best in the first half to keep Japan out as the hosts created the best chances.
Australia struggled to break down the Japanese defence and Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson overhauled the side at half-time, making six changes. Micah was replaced by Lydia Williams and the veteran goalkeeper continued the good work between the sticks, denying a Jun Endo thunderbolt with a one-handed tip over the bar.
The Matildas pressed hard in the second half but only created a handful of half-chances against a disciplined defence.
Attention now turns to the Matildas’ Olympic campaign, which begins against New Zealand on July 21.
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