Matildas Aim for Strategic Enhancements Against Skilled Asian Cup Final Opponents

This upcoming Saturday, the Matildas are set to clash with Japan in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 final, aiming to clinch the title on their home turf in Sydney. However, a veteran player has acknowledged that the team needs to step up their game.

Steph Catley, a standout defender who returned to the field for the semi-final against China after clearing a concussion test, praised Japan as a formidable opponent known for their skilled and technical approach to the game.

“Winning isn’t out of reach,” Catley remarked to the press on Thursday, highlighting the Matildas’ athletic prowess that could make them a formidable challenge for any team.

“We’ve defeated Japan in the past. We have our own set of strengths that I’m confident they will be keeping an eye on and potentially be concerned about,” she added.

How strong is Japan?

Meanwhile, Japan, a two-time Asian Cup champion, advanced to the finals on Wednesday with an impressive 4-1 victory over South Korea in Sydney. Their performance in the tournament has been exceptional, having netted 28 goals while allowing just one.

The final on Saturday evening will also be the 31st game between Australia and Japan since 1984. During the Women’s Asian Cup in 2018, Japan beat Australia 1-0 in the final.

Australians will also see a familiar face in Japan’s team, as former Matildas player Leah Blayney is now serving as the team’s assistant coach.

Speaking to SBS Japanese after the semi-final on Tuesday evening, Blayney said she’s excited for the upcoming final.

“It’s going to be a great showcase of football in Asia. A match between the Matildas and Japan. What a terrific occasion. I think we’re all looking forward to it,” she said.

Blayney has been working under Nils Nielsen, who has also coached Denmark and Switzerland.

Under his watch, Japan has launched a near-faultless campaign during the Asian Cup this year, netting 28 goals and conceding just one across five-straight wins.

How prepared are the Matildas?

Nielsen has also crossed paths with Australia’s defensive midfielder Alanna Kennedy and Mary Fowler during his time as a technical director at Women’s Super League giants Manchester City.

“Alanna, I know from Man City, and I just want the best for her because she’s such a great girl,” Nielsen said, adding that Fowler was his “absolute favourite player in the whole of world football”.

Nielsen told SBS Japanese that for the final match on Saturday, the Matildas have a strength that Japan won’t: the home fans.

“It’s mainly the crowd, [which is] the whole thing about making the Asian competition something special,” he said. “And the Australians have just done a really great job of it.”

He also highly praised Matildas head coach Joe Montemurro, saying he has “a fantastic heart for the players”.

Speaking of strategies against Japan, Catley said the team has had tactical meetings to discuss their plans.

She said the team would need to improve on possession of the ball in the upcoming game.

“We probably didn’t protect the ball as well as we could have in the last game [against China], so it’s definitely something we’re looking to improve on,” she said.

“We’ve been very prepared, but I’m sure it’ll be a busy night on both ends and just a great game for everyone to watch.”

How can I watch the Asian Cup final?

The Asian Cup final between the Matildas and Japan will be held at Stadium Australia in Sydney and kick off at 8pm AEDT.

If you can’t get to the match in person, it will be broadcast on Network 10 and Paramount+. You can also listen to coverage live via ABC Sport radio.

— This story was produced in collaboration with SBS Japanese, with additional reporting by the Australian Associated Press.

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