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The Matildas went unrewarded and ended up heartbroken.

analysis
analysis
SoccerCommentsPremium
analysis
Lack of clinicality has Matildas ruing the one that got away

This, more than any of the Matildas other heartbreaking losses in recent memory, will sting the most. They were the better team against a very good opposition but did not finish their chances.

Ben Smith

Maika Hamano proved the difference.

SoccerCommentsMatildas go down swinging, but Asian Cup final ends in agony

The Matilda’s Women’s Asian Cup campaign has ended in heartbreak and their quest for major tournament silverware will go on as they were beaten 1-0 by Japan at Accor Stadium in Sydney.

Ben Smith

Australia were left heartbroken.

SoccerCommentsRECAP: Bravehearted Tillies left shattered by Final defeat

A red-hot Japan sunk the Matildas Asian Cup dreams with a strike to behold. Recap the heartbreaking final as it happened in our blog.

Aaron Kirby

A look back at Australia's rivalry with Japan.

SoccerCommentsPremiumTillies hope third times the charm against Japan

Japan and Australia will face off for the Women’s Asian Cup for the third time as we look back on the biggest clashes between the giants of Asian football.

James Palumbo

Sam Kerr will hold no fears for Japan

SoccerCommentsPremiumWho’s gonna stop Kerr? Japanese stars out to topple Tillies

Australia will once again face off against Japan for Women’s Asian Cup Glory, and the Nadeshiko are not short of star talent as we look at who pose the biggest threat in Saturday’s final.

Jake Santa Maria

Sam Kerr will be hoping to lift the Women’s Asian Cup for the second time.

SoccerPremiumMatildas’ three-year journey to culminate in Asian Cup final

The Matildas captured the country’s hearts and minds during the Women’s World Cup three years ago — but they now have the chance to lift some silverware at home in the Women’s Asian Cup.

Josh Kempton

Sam Kerr of Australia has her knee taped during an Australia Matildas training session.

SoccerCommentsPremiumCoach speaks out after Sam Kerr spotted in knee brace

Matildas superstar Sam Kerr has been spotted in a knee brace on the eve of the side’s blockbuster Women’s Asian Cup final against Japan.

Josh Kempton

Ellie Carpenter of the Australian Matildas speaks to the media during a press conference.

FootballCommentsMatildas downplay Japan fears in hunt for Asian glory

Vice-captain Ellie Carpenter has played down fears Australia's Women's Asian Cup campaign will end in heartache as the Matildas face an in-form Japan.

George Clarke

Japan head coach Nils Nielsen doesn't want to know about favouritism ahead of the Asian Cup final. (Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS)

SoccerCommentsBees, flies, flowers: Japan coach's Asian Cup verdict

Nils Nielsen has drawn on some colourful analogies to discuss the difference between Japan and Australia's varied Women's Asian Cup form.

George Clarke

Steph Catley believes Australia's difficult Asian Cup campaign will toughen them up for Japan. (Dave Hunt/AAP PHOTOS)

SoccerCommentsBeating Japan is not 'mission impossible': Catley

Steph Catley knows the Matildas face a tough Japanese opponent in the Asian Cup final, but believes Australia's defence will be up to the task.

Annabelle Banfield

ALL SMILES: Japan are through to the Women's Asian Cup final where they will meet Australia. (Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS)

SoccerCommentsJapan down Korea, set up Asian Cup final with Australia

Japan has sent an ominous warning after booking their place alongside the Matildas in the final of the Women's Asian Cup after smashing South Korea

George Clarke

News. AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026. Training at Sam Kerr Football Centre in Queens Park. Sam Kerr. Jackson Flindell

The West Australian exclusive
The West Australian exclusive
SoccerCommentsPremium
The West Australian exclusive
‘She’s shining’: Off-field joy helping Kerr’s on-field form

On-field, Sam Kerr is back to her best and once more spurring on the Matildas to new heights - and according to the Matildas captain’s father, her return to form is a by-product of off-field happiness.

Ben Smith

Sam Kerr and Mackenzie Arnold at Perth Airport.

SoccerCommentsPremiumBon voyage! Matildas bid Perth fond farewell

After ending their eight-year wait for a major tournament final, the Matildas have set off for Sydney after departing Perth on a positive note. SEE THE PICS

Ben Smith

Matildas captain Sam Kerr revs up the crowd after scoring a goal.

SoccerComments‘World-class’ Kerr’s still got another level to reach

Matildas captain Sam Kerr still believes her best is yet to come after once again proving the difference for Australia as they punched their ticket for the Women’s Asian Cup final.

Ben Smith

Sam Kerr of Australia celebrates scoring her team's second goal.

analysis
analysis
SoccerCommentsPremium
analysis
Amid the chaos, Kerr - again - provides the necessary calm

How the calm of Sam Kerr helped her side thrive amid the chaos and ease nerves not just around the stadium, but within her own team.

Ben Smith

News. AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026. Semi-Final. Matilda Sam Kerr scores a goal. Jackson Flindell

SoccerVideoCommentsSlammin’ Sam does it again as Matildas surge into final

Sam Kerr has scored for a sixth successive Matildas game in Perth to catapult Australia into the Women’s Asian Cup final after they beat China 2-1 at Optus Stadium.

Ben Smith

News. AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026. Semi-Final. Matildas Caitlin Foord and Sam Kerr celebrates after the final whistle.

Women’s Asian CupCommentsRecap: Superstar Kerr punches Matildas finals ticket

Can the Matildas ride the wave of home support and be the first team through to the Women’s Asian Cup final as they take on China at Optus Stadium? Follow all the action live!

Jake Santa Maria

Matilda Emily van Egmond pictured at Perth Stadium ahead of her record breaking match tomorrow.

SoccerComments‘One of the best’: van Egmond on precipice of history

Matildas coach Joe Montemurro thinks she is one of Australia’s most talented players ever - and Emily van Egmond could break an Australian record on Tuesday night.

Ben Smith

Just one game separates the Matildas from a major tournament final on home soil.

SoccerCommentsTillies all smiles ahead of historic blockbuster

Just one game separates the Matildas from a major tournament final on home soil — but if the Australians are feeling the pressure, they sure are not showing it. SEE THE PHOTOS

Ben Smith

Joe Montemurro at Matildas training on Monday.

SoccerMatildas coach lauds China coach as an Australian great

Matildas coach Joe Montemurro is expecting his old friend Ante Milicic to have a few tricks up his sleeve when the coaching counterparts face off in Tuesday’s Women’s Asian Cup semifinal.

Ben Smith

Steph Catley and Hayley Raso are both in line to return.

SoccerCommentsMatildas stars return to training ahead of semifinal

As the clock ticks towards the Matildas’ Women’s Asian Cup semifinal on Tuesday night, there has been a significant update on the availability of star pair Steph Catley and Hayley Raso.

Ben Smith

Sam Kerr gives her shirt to a fan after the Matildas’ win on Friday.

SOCCER CommentsPremium‘Couldn’t feel more special’: Kerr’s letter to Perth fans

Ahead of their blockbuster Asian Cup semifinal at Optus Stadium on Tuesday night, homegrown Matildas superstar Sam Kerr has penned a letter to Perth fans in The West Australian.

Sam Kerr

The State Government have announced the launch of a new $6million program aimed to keep teenage girls involved in sport, just days before the Australian women’s team the Matilda’s take on China in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup semi-final.

Girls in SportComments$6m program to help teenage girls stay in sport

A new $6million program aimed to keep teenage girls involved in sport has been announced just days before the Matildas take on China in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup semi-final.

Sophie Gannon

Ante Milicic will come face-to-face with his old side.

SoccerMatildas know what to expect from friend-turned-foe Milicic

Matildas star Ellie Carpenter knows what it is like to play for Ante Milicic, and that first-hand knowledge has her side steeled for another tooth-and-nail battle in their Women’s Asian Cup semifinal.

Ben Smith