AFC Womens Championship

[[Steve]_*MV/Juve*]

Seems to have flown under the radar. I did a search and couldnt find any threads so i thought id start this up.

Australia thump Korea 4-0 in Adelaide
Sunday, 16 July 2006
The Qantas Matildas have won their opening match of the AFC Women’s Championships, thumping Korea Republic 4-0 at Hindmarsh Stadium in Adelaide.

With the Championships doubling as qualifiers for the 2007 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Australia has issued a strong warning to the traditional heavyweights of the women’s game in Asia that they mean business.

The Matildas led 1-0 at the break thanks to an own goal, but goals to Sarah Walsh, Caitlin Munoz and Lisa De Vanna, ensured a convincing win that sets them up nicely for the rest of the tournament.

A full report will follow shortly.

Great effort by the girls lets hope they can go all the way.

[Jony]

My sisters friend is keeper, Melissa Barbieri:)

[nonna]

meh

[Carlton life member]

great showing by the girls

[Carlton life member]

Australia thump Korea 4-0 in Adelaide
Sunday, 16 July 2006

Sarah Walsh
Getty Images © Getty Images
The Qantas Matildas have commenced their campaign to qualify for the 2007 FIFA WomenÕs World Cup in impressive fashion securing a comprehensive 4-0 win over group rivals Korea Republic (South Korea) in their opening match of the Asian WomenÕs Cup played at Hindmarsh Stadium in Adelaide today.
In wet and cold conditions Australia started confidently and held a one goal margin at the interval thanks to an own goal on the half-hour mark from Korean defender Min Kyung Jun. The Qantas Matildas dominated the latter stages of the match and were rewarded with second half goals to Sarah Walsh, Caitlin Munoz and substitute Lisa De Vanna.

The Qantas Matildas always looked likely to open the scoring with Heather Garriock hitting the side netting and most notably Jo Peters striking the crossbar with a spectacular long range effort from 30 metres.

The scoring was opened on the half hour when Sally ShipardÕs cross was deflected past the Korean goalkeeper with a misdirected header from defender Min Kyung Jun finding the net.

The home side looked likely to go into the half time break two goals up however substitute goalkeeper Min Kyung Jun, who had minutes earlier replaced the injured Jung Mi Kim, produced a stunning save to deny Collette McCallumÕs goal bound strike.

Australian goalkeeper Melissa Barbieri was a spectator throughout the first half but the Koreans started the second half with a renewed vigour and a goalmouth scramble five minutes after the break, and a Yun Hee Cha close-range effort directed wide soon after proved to be the visitors best moments in attack.

With Shipard and Peters dominating in the centre of the park the Australians doubled their advantage with Peters deep cross eluding the defence with Walsh expertly steering the ball home from 10 metres.

Soon after Munoz was denied a goal by the offside flag after sweeping home a rebound from the goalkeeper.

Munoz was not to be denied with the third goal for the Qantas Matildas was a near replica of the second. This time substitute De Vanna providing the cross from the left and Munoz forcing the ball home.

Three minutes from time GarriockÕs deep corner was headed back across goal by Kate Gill with De Vanna finishing from close range.

ÒThe match was reasonably tight until the second goal but after that I felt we looked the stronger team and finished the match strongly which was pleasing,Ó said Qantas Matildas coach Tom Sermanni.

"Today was a critical game for us and the results was a perfect start for us. IÕm very pleased with the overall performance but the players handled themselves well playing some good controlled football though I will be looking for improvement as the tournament progresses.

ÒThe players were strong right until the final whistle which is a testament to the hard work of the players and the way they have adapted themselves to the rigours of international football in recent times.Ó

In the earlier Group B match Thailand defeated Myanmar 2-1.

Tomorrow is a rest day with AustraliaÕs next match against Myanmar at Hindmarsh Stadium on Tuesday (2.30pm CST).

Match Details

AUSTRALIA 4 (O.G. 30Õ, Sarah Walsh 66Õ, Caitlin Munoz 75Õ, Lisa De Vanna 87Õ)
KOREA REPUBLIC 0

Australian line-up: Melissa Barbieri (gk); Karla Reuter, Dianne Alagich, Cheryl Salisbury, Heather Garriock; Sally Shipard, Jo Peters, Collette McCallum (Alicia Ferguson 80Õ); Caitlin Munoz (Joanne Burgess 82Õ), Kate Gill, Sarah Walsh (Lisa De Vanna 69Õ)

Korean line-up: Jung Mi Kim (gk) (Mi Kyung Jun 35Õ); Sukkyung Kim, Kyung Suk Hong (Sey Hwa Jung 58Õ), Hyun Ah Sung, Eun Jung Park, Jin Hee Kim, Ji Eun Lee, Jin Sook Han (Sun Mi Kang 41Õ), Sun Nam Shin, Yun Hee Cha, Yoo Mi Kim, Jung Mi Kim

Referee: Benita DÕCoth (India)

Attendance: 1,350

Tuesday 18 July
Thailand v DPR Korea - Hindmarsh Stadium @ 12:00
Myanmar v Australia - Hindmarsh Stadium @ 14:30
Korea Republic - Bye

[Daims09]

How does this comp work?????!!??

Is it reps of the individual sections of the AFC come to Adelaide.

Then groups?

[Carlton life member]

Not sure. I don't quite understand the question.
Answers probably here
www.the-afc.com/english/competitions/WomenAsianCup2006

As far as I can make out
there are two groups - one with 4 teams and one with 5 which is a bit odd
and I think all games are in Adelaide
and the whole thing is being played out over the next couple of weeks til the end of the month

[Carlton life member]

The Matildas are playing two more times in the group stage, on 18 and 22
then there'll be a semi-final on 27

[s3tTz]

How does this comp work?????!!??

Is it reps of the individual sections of the AFC come to Adelaide.

Then groups?
Click here, and all shall be revealed :):

http://www.the-afc.com/english/competitions/WomenAsianCup2006/default.asp

In a nutshell . . .
- I think the lower ranked teams had to qualify (I don't see any Australian qualifying results on the website).
- 9 teams (Group A has 4 teams, Group B has 5 teams).
- Top 2 in each group go through to semi-finals.
- The 2 finalists qualify automatically for the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup in China. The 3rd place team plays-off against a CONCACAF team, for one the remaining "half-spots" in the World Cup.
- All matches (bar 2) played at Hindmarsh Stadium between July 16-30.

[s3tTz]

Today's results.

DPR Korea d. Thailand 9-0
Australia d. Myanmar 2-0

[Carlton life member]

A frustrated Australia continued its winning ways in the women's Asian Cup with a 2-0 defeat of football minnow Burma at Hindmarsh Stadium.

Sporting seven changes from the side that crunched South Korea 4-0, the Matildas never looked threatened over 90 minutes, but found it hard to convert their supreme territorial advantage against a team committed solely to defence.

Sally Shipard's 31st minute header broke the early deadlock for Australia, before substitute Lisa De Vanna chipped home her second goal of the competition as the match drew to a close.

Matildas coach Tom Sermanni said Burma's approach was something new for his players to deal with, as they were used to opponents who fancied their chances of scoring.

"From our perspective on the sideline and on the field it gets frustrating because it's like coming up against a brick wall all the time," he said.

"The other thing is we're not used to that, it's not often a team comes out against Australia and piles 10 players 30 yards from the goal, so it's not easy for players to suddenly come up with a game plan."

"It's a credit to our team that opponents are starting to sit 10 players back against us, that's not normally the kind of respect Australia gets."

News of North Korea's earlier 9-0 rout of Thailand would have given the Australians some food for thought as they attempt to top their group and qualify automatically for the 2007 women's World Cup in China.

In conditions that were dry but chilly, the Matildas spent much of the first half battling to break down Burma's determined defensive formation.

The visitors employed a back five or six with Thu Zar Htwe as their lone attacking option, and were forced into countless scrambles inside the box as Australia pushed forward.

Australian striker Caitlin Munoz was through on goal in the 15th minute only to have her shot well blocked by Burma `keeper May Khin Ya Min, while Joanne Peters and Rhian Davies both failed to take advantage of open chances.

Australian striker Caitlin Munoz was put through in the 15th minute only to see her shot well blocked by Burma `keeper May Khin Ya Min, while Joanne Peters and Rhian Davies both squandered open chances.

Shipard's headed goal came from an in-swerving corner from Heather Garriock, but the remainder of the half and the rest of the game lacked intensity.

Australia was frustrated by its inability to break through and even De Vanna's celebration of her neatly taken 77th minute goal was muted.

Perhaps this was because North Korea had offered a sound warning by pummelling Thailand, with no fewer than seven players getting their name onto the scoresheet.

Last modified: 18 July 2006 18:28:32

[Carlton life member]

They play Korea on 22, and Thailand on Monday 24.

[Carlton life member]

Australia tied with defending champions Korea, and now only need a draw against Thailand to go through to the next round.

I'd like to celebrate my 3000th post by congratulating the Matildas on their progress in this tournament.

[Carlton life member]

The Qantas Matildas have moved a step closer to qualification for the 2007 FIFA WomenÍs World Cup following a hard fought scoreless draw against DPR Korea (North Korea) at Hindmarsh Stadium, Adelaide.
The result means that Australia will need only a draw in their final group match against Thailand on Monday to guarantee qualification for the semi finals of the AFC WomenÍs Asian Cup. DPR Korea remain ahead of Australia at the top of Group B on goal difference but face a tough encounter against neighbours Korea Republic in their final outing. Both matches will be played concurrently with the team finishing top of the group to meet the runner-up in Group A which is currently headed by Japan who remain ahead of China on goal difference.

In a high intensity encounter Australia started strongly making an number of early forays into the opposition penalty area before the 7th-ranked nation in the world slowly started to come into the match.

Perhaps the best chance of the first half for the home side saw Sarah Walsh latch onto a long ball and out sprint the defence only to see her shot from an acute angle pushed around the post by the goalkeeper.

The visitors came alive as the half wore and four minutes from the interval a deep cross from the left found Un Gyong Ri at the far post whose powerfully hit strike smashed against the frame of the goal.

Kyong Sun Pak appeared to have broken the deadlock deep into first half injury time but, put off by onrushing Australian goalkeeper Melissa Barbieri, the lofted shot lacked power or accuracy and Kate McShea was able to clear the ball to safety.

Once again the Australians started the half brightly and three minutes after the break saw possibly the best opportunity for the home side to score. Kate Gill deflecting Heather GarriockÍs perfectly weighted free kick towards goal only for the Korean goalkeeper to grasp the ball from near point-blank range.

The match continued to be fast paced throughout with both teams taking every opportunity to advance downfield. The Australian defensive quartet of Dianne Alagich, Cheryl Salisbury, McShea and Garriock impressive, battling their way through a physical 90 minutes of football. Captain Salisbury led the way and at game's end was sporting a heavily swollen eye as a result of a first half clash, while Alagich also bravely saw out the match despite knocks to a broken nose sustained last weekend.

In the centre of the park, midfielders Collette McCallum, Joanne Peters and Sally Shipard collectively covered countless kilometers as the match continued with end-to-end action.

Barbieri produced a smart one-handed save with ten minutes remaining, while a volley from substitute Lisa De Vanna narrowly cleared the crossbar with virtually the last kick of a rousing match.

ñI was delighted with the way all the players went about their task tonight,î said Qantas Matildas coach Tom Sermanni. "Also delighted with the result as North Korea are a very very good side."

ñI though the game was of a very high standard and both teams gave everything possible.

"It was a terrific result for us and another clean sheet which is good and it is certainly a great position for us to be in going into the last game.

ñThere is a sense around the team that the players are confident and are up for it. You get the feeling that if someone is going to beat us they are going to have to work very hard to do so.î

Aside from host nation China the top two nations in the tournament will qualify for the 2007 FIFA WomenÍs World Cup while the third-placed team will play-off against the third best team in CONCACAF.

The Korean Republic defeated Myanmar 3-1 in the earlier Group B match played today.

Match Details

Australia 0
DPR Korea 0

Australian line-up: Melissa Barbieri (gk); Dianne Alagich, Kate McShea, Cheryl Salisbury, Heather Garriock; Sally Shipard, Joanne Peters, Collette McCallum; Caitlin Munoz (Alicia Ferguson 78Í), Kate Gill (Thea Slatyer 91Í), Sarah Walsh (Lisa De Vanna 77Í)
Unused substitutes: Lydia Williams (gk), Karla Reuter, Rhian Davies, Kylie Ledbrook, Joanne Burgess, Leah Blayney

[bennido]

What's with the low crowds ?? I was expecting much more people considering the popularity of women's football here.

Wonder if any Adelaide fans went for the matches too.

[jonk]

I wouldn't have gone. Women's football.. I watched a bit during the Olympics and watched Mexico v Matildas while at the Greece game.... It's low quality.

[jonk]

Black eyes, broken noses?

It's WWE!

[Carlton life member]

What's with the low crowds ?? I was expecting much more people considering the popularity of women's football here.

Wonder if any Adelaide fans went for the matches too.

women's football is growing fast in participation, but as we know from years of men's comps, participation and spectator numbers do not always go hand in hand

there are a lot of games in a short time in this comp, too

[Paul]

semifinals on tonight Matildas Vs Japan hopefully it will be another win over japan

[sherro]

Any locker-room vids?

[Paul]

i wish there where

[gweeds]

I think that womens' football has increased in quality over the last few years. I like netball, but for a woman football offers lots of more rewards than netball. An Olympic medal for starters.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/olmedia/540000/images/_543803_matildas300.jpg

http://www.tvn.cl/archivos/galeria/matildas/3.jpg

http://lancemannion.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/the_matildas.jpg

[Socceroo_06]

Here are some more of matilda Amy Taylor:

http://www.lifeofsports.com/admin/images/amy_taylor_7.jpg

http://www.lifeofsports.com/admin/images/amy_taylor_8.jpg

http://www.sports-wired.com/women/images/Amy_Taylor/85.jpg

http://www.sports-wired.com/women/images/Amy_Taylor/86.jpg

http://www.sports-wired.com/women/images/Amy_Taylor/77.jpg

[is17]

Matilda's 2-0 up at half time in the semi.

[is17]

Matilda's through to the World Cup 2-0!

[[Steve]_*MV/Juve*]

Qantas Matildas v China - Live Match Update
Sunday, 30 July 2006
AFC Women's Asian Cup Final. Australia 2 (Munoz 29', Peters 33') China 2 (Han 68' Ma 73'). Click 'refresh' for updated commentary.

73' GOAL - CHINA

68' GOAL - CHINA a neat goal by Han after some slick interplay between Han and Ma - he latter with a cheeky backheel. Han's shot was low and true from 15m, just wide of the outstretched arm of the Aussie keeper

67' sub China: Ren off, Yuan on

66' sub Australia: Munoz off, De Vanna on

63' Walsh goes on a mazy run which almost concludes with a clear shot on goal

58' China on fire: Ma again with a strong shot on goal, but again Barbieri makes no mistake to parry it out for a corner.

56' Ma forces another good save from Barbieri

54' a dangerous low cross following a good run down the by-line by Walsh sees McCallum connect to it, but the shot just goes over goal

note a correction to the first scorer: Munoz scored the spectacular first goal

50' China has had almost the bulk of possession so far in the second half, but the Australian defensive line still refuses to give in

It has been an inspiring first half performance by the Australians, although the Matildas have certainly not had it all their own way. China have so far proved to be a much tougher opponent to the earlier sides that Australia have faced in the Cup - their physical presence certainly more intimidating than the Japanese, Korean, Thai and Myanmar teams. Nevertheless the Aussies have maintained a clean sheet so far, and in fact have still to concede a goal in the tournament - despite playing for over eight hours so far.

half-time: Australia 2 China 0

46'+ a rasping drive from Yali Liu brings out another fine save from Barbieri

44' sub Australia: Alagich off, Davies on

43' Alagich receives a knock which keeps the defender down for a few moments - and gives all remaining players the chance to have a breather. It's been non-stop action as the sun makes an appearance for the first time in the match

37' Peters almost makes it 3-0 with a firm low shot going just wide of the frame. China appear shellshocked but are certainly not giving up

33' GOAL - AUSTRALIA! following Shipard's attempt and resultant corner, Joanne Peters gets her head to the ball from close range to double Australia's lead

32' Shipard tries to emulate McCallum's glorous goal with another shot fired in from 30m, denied by a diving save from the keeper

31' sub China: Zheng on, Tong Zhang off

29' GOAL - AUSTRALIA! an absolutely stunning strike by Caitlin Munoz from almost 30 metres is parried on to the underside of the cross bar by goalkeeper and bounces into the goalmouth - a real cracker!!

28' a huge tackle by Salisbury denies Zheng a shot on goal following a dangeros run at goal

26' an ineffective free kick by McCallum goes straight the Chinese keeper

24' the last few minutes have seen a tough midfield battle as both sides refuse to give anything away. The boisterous crowd continues to be in fine voice

... stadium officials have just opened up a previously-closed part of the stadium as a larger-than-expected crowd tries to find places to watch the game

13' a neat passage of play by Ma and Han ends with Han getting a good low shot on goal - foiled by the cat-like reflexes of Barbieri. Action aplenty

12' a rare mistake by Salisbury almost gifts Han an opportunity

10' a nice cross by Peters almost gets to the head of Walsh in the penalty box

7' yet another strong challenge sees Munoz go down clutching her face following a heading duel. Peters has come off injured, but looks likely to be back on the field any moment

5' both sides are giving each other a good work-out with some tough tackles and challenges getting the crowd worked up

2' China appeals for a penalty as Han goes down in the box following a strong challenge by Garriock. In the ensuing confusion the ball almost trickles over the line for a goal. A pulsating start to proceedings

15:29 local time: fantastic atmosphere here at Hindmarsh Stadium, Adelaide, with a sizeable Chinese contingent in full voice. Kick-off only a couple of minutes away.

Australia starting line-up: Melissa Barbieri (gk); Dianne Alagich, Cheryl Salisbury, Kate McShea, Heather Garriock; Joanne Peters, Collette McCallum, Sally Shipard; Sarah Walsh, Caitlin Munoz
Subs from: Lydia Williams (gk), Karla Reuter, Lisa De Vanna, Kylie Ledbrook, Joanne Burgess, Leah Blayney, Rhian Davies,
Unavailable: Kathryn Gill, Thea Slatyer

China starting line-up: Wenxia Han (gk), Huana Liu, Jie Li, Wei Pu, Yali Liu, Yan Bi, Liping Ren, Lina Pan, Qin Zheng, Xiaoxu Ma, Duan Han
Subs from: Yanru Zhang (gk), Xinzhi Weng, Kun Wang, Fan Yuan, Mengyu Shi, Tong Zhang, Dandan Wang, Yue Guo

Referee: Mayumi Oiwa (Japan)
Conditions: fine, but showers threatening. 11 degress C at kick-off
Pitch: good

Fkn hell after leading two nil at half time two quick goals by china have levelled the score. Lets hope we dont blow it

[s3tTz]

Who's coaching? Venables?

[Carlton life member]

http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/default.aspx?s=insideffa_newsfeatures_newsitem&id=10260

[Seb]

Where are the live updates?

Edit: Thanks CLM

[Carlton life member]

(actually I got the link from the other thread)

this is getting exciting

[Jony]

2-2, we're into extra time.

[Carlton life member]

this has turned out to be a ripper game
now I know what they used to feel like getting Ashes scores by telegram years ago, after all these recent games with no audio or TV coverage

[Jony]

I have a feeling its going to penalties:cool:

[Rob]

2nd period of extra time ATM

2-2

[is17]

China's changed their goalie for the shoot-out.

[is17]

4-2 china

[rusty]

Matilda's through to the World Cup 2-0!

I blame you (even though we're still in the World Cup).

[Simon]

Iran all over again. Grrrr :o

[Clint]

Damn! Our first chance to win some Asian silverware gone!

[Jony]

Damn! Our first chance to win some Asian silverware gone!

You got silverware :confused:

Silver medals :confused:

[Clint]

You got silverware :confused:

Silver medals :confused:
Who says goldware?

[goodbyeafl]

who cares anyway. At the matildas v mexico match the only people who came to watch it were the non football educated mcc members. The southern stand was like a ghost town.