Meanwhile, this is the first Olympics for Australia’s women’s football time since 2004, and China’s since hosting in 2008. The AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa offered his congratulations to the two teams: “I would like to offer my heartfelt congratulations to Australia and China for their outstanding performances throughout the tournament”.
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After the Olyroos spectacularly failed in their own qualification tournament, the success of the Matildas in an even tougher group has heightened their deeds – and Stajcic is not scared of the inevitable expectations that will now follow them to Rio de Janeiro. “But we performed better”. We can’t go to Rio but for the next three, four years we have to prepare well.
South Korea will close out the qualifying tournament against Vietnam on Wednesday, also in Osaka.
An alarming slump in form by Japan’s “Nadeshiko” – who are named after a frilly pink carnation – has sparked dismay, with former superstar Homare Sawa accusing the players of lacking heart and questioning their desire.
Both teams already knew they could not qualify for Rio this summer with Vietnam having lost all three previous games and Japan’s hopes were crushed after China secured a narrow victory against the Republic of Korea in an earlier game.
“Today wasn’t pretty football from us but it was effective and to put it all together with everything we’ve done here over the past week is just an awesome effort”.
The South Korean team has earned two points in the games, with two draws and two losses without a win.
“They are truly worth qualifiers for Rio Olympics”.
Vietnamese coach Mai Duc Chung said his players will “do their utmost for the best possible result” in the clash with the Japanese in Osaka at 5:39 pm (Vietnam time).
But Japan’s coach Norio Sasaki said the match with Vietnam will be a chance for them to keep their spirits up.
Later, Australia beat North Korea 2-1.
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Logarzo, who started in the crucial opening win over Asian champions Japan, again played on the left side of Australia’s attack, while van Egmond continued as a linchpin of the Matildas midfield.
