Australia look set to advance after taking a 3-0 lead against Uzbekistan in the first leg while there is all to play for in the other tie, with Japan and DPR Korea having played to a goalless stalemate on Saturday.
Australia (3) v (0) Uzbekistan
After struggling to break the deadlock in the first 45 minutes, the Matildas scored three late goals to secure a comfortable win over Uzbekistan in Tashkent, leaving the Central Asian side with a mountain to climb.
Despite missing the services of skipper Sam Kerr, Tony Gustavsson’s side will be boosted by the comfort of playing at home as they aim to secure their fifth appearance at the Olympics.
Uzbekistan held their own for as long as they could at the Bunyodkor Stadium before their defence collapsed in the 73rd minute and head coach Midori Honda will be hoping her charges can find their shooting boots in Melbourne.
Australia (3) v (0) Uzbekistan
Venue: Docklands Stadium (Melbourne)
Kick-off: Wednesday, 20:00 UTC+11
Japan (0) v (0) DPR Korea
Both teams toiled in front of goal with Japan needing their goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita to be in top form to deny the Koreans a lead.
Having seen his side struggle in the final third, head coach Futoshi Ikeda might ring in the changes as Japan look to rediscover the form that saw them emphatically beating DPR Korea in the Hangzhou Asian Games final.
DPR Korea, however, will be confident of their chances as despite Japan dominating the first leg, head coach Ri Yu-il’s side created the better chances.
- نویسنده : محمد مهدی اسماعیلی رها
Saturday, 19 July , 2025