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AFC Women's Asian Cup
The head coach was proud that his side gave Japan the sternest examination the East Asian side faced in the competition as the Matildas fought right until the end in their 1-0 defeat at a packed Stadium Australia.
#WAC2026 | Final: Japan 1-0 Australia
“Congratulations to Japan,” said Montemurro. “In the end, a fantastic goal separated the teams. We felt today we could be a little bit more free-flowing.
“A little bit more the way I want to see this team play. You got better control, you got better opportunities. The final opportunity didn’t favour us but that’s the way football works.
“We created chances in other games and we put them away. We created two (against China PR) and scored both, we created so much today but tonight, it didn’t fall for us.”
“A little bit more the way I want to see this team play. You got better control, you got better opportunities. The final opportunity didn’t favour us but that’s the way football works.
“We created chances in other games and we put them away. We created two (against China PR) and scored both, we created so much today but tonight, it didn’t fall for us.”
#WAC2026 - Final: Joy & Tears
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Trailing to Maika Hamano’s 17th minute strike, Australia had ample opportunity to draw level but lack of a finishing touch and sturdy Japanese defending saw them having to settle for the runners-up spot for the third time in four editions.
Montemurro, however, said it was a good learning curve as the Matildas showed they have the capability to match one of the best teams in the world.
Montemurro, however, said it was a good learning curve as the Matildas showed they have the capability to match one of the best teams in the world.
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“I’m proud that some of the ideas that we tried to instill happened on the biggest stage against one of the best teams in the world.
“I had 26 warriors who understood our approach. For us, this has been an excellent journey, playing top teams, testing ourselves in tournament football. Tonight was a real testament for me.
“We need more regular international top competition. We need to play top games to allow the next group to be given the opportunities to feel like playing in front of big crowds and difficult conditions. I’m excited for the current batch but the next batch is also exciting.”
“I had 26 warriors who understood our approach. For us, this has been an excellent journey, playing top teams, testing ourselves in tournament football. Tonight was a real testament for me.
“We need more regular international top competition. We need to play top games to allow the next group to be given the opportunities to feel like playing in front of big crowds and difficult conditions. I’m excited for the current batch but the next batch is also exciting.”
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