Matildas open Asian Cup with a win

[admin]

Australia have opened their campaign at the 2008 AFC Women's Asian Cup with a 4-0 win over Chinese Taipei in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, tonight.

A first half double from midfielder Heather Garriock set the Australians on their way, with striker Jenna Tristram and substitute Lisa De Vanna rounding out the scoring with goals either end of the second half.

The match commenced in extreme humidity before a torrential downpour midway through the first half saw water remain pooled on the pitch throughout the second period making passing and ball control impossible at times.

"I'm very pleased with the result and particularly so given the circumstances in which the match was played," said Australian coach Tom Sermanni.

"Chinese Taipei were very well organised defensively and made life difficult for us but our team adapted well."

"Once the rain came it made playing football impossible but without doubt the players performed admirably in very trying conditions. We fielded quite a young team tonight but they were very solid throughout and helped us get off to a strong start in this tournament.

Australia now meet Korea Republic on Saturday at 10.30pm (AEST), with the final group game against Japan on Monday also at 8pm (AEST).

Match Details:-

Australia 4 (Heather Garriock 18', 41', Jenna Tristram 52', Lisa De Vanna 82’)

Chinese Taipei 0

Australian line-up: Lydia Williams (gk); Ellyse Perry (Clare Polkinghorne 65'), Kim Carroll, Kate McShea, Karla Reuter, Lauren Colthorpe, Amber Neilson, Heather Garriock (Tameka Butt h/t), Kyah Simon, Jenna Tristram, Caitlin Munoz (Lisa De Vanna 63').

Cautions: nil

Referee: Hong Sil Ri (DPR Korea)


BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The Matildas squad for the 2008 AFC Women's Asian Cup:

Goalkeepers – Melissa Barbieri (Melbourne), Lydia Williams (Canberra)

Defenders – Di Alagich (Sydney), Kim Carroll (Brisbane), Kate McShea (Brisbane), Ellyse Perry (Sydney), Clare Polkinghorne (Brisbane), Karla Reuter (Brisbane), Cheryl Salisbury (Newcastle)

Midfielders – Tameka Butt (Gold Coast), Amy Chapman (Canberra), Lauren Colthorpe (Brisbane), Heather Garriock (Sydney), Ella Mastrantonio (Perth), Collette McCallum (Perth), Amber Neilson (Newcastle)

Forwards – Lisa De Vanna (Perth), Kate Gill (Newcastle), Caitlin Munoz (Canberra), Kyah Simon (Sydney), Jenna Tristram (Brisbane),
(current home city)

First Round

Wednesday - 28 May 2008

Match 1: China vs Thailand

Match 2: DPR Korea vs Vietnam



Thursday - 29 May 2008

Match 3: Australia vs Chinese Taipei

Match 4: Japan vs Korea Republic



Friday - 30 May 2008

Match 5: Thailand vs DPR Korea

Match 6: Vietnam vs China



Saturday - 31 May 2008

Match 7: Chinese Taipei vs Japan

Match 8: Korea Republic vs Australia



Sunday - 1 June 2008

Match 9: China vs DPR Korea

Match 10: Thailand vs Vietnam



Monday - 2 June 2008

Match 11: Australia vs Japan

Match 12: Chinese Taipei vs Korea Republic



Tuesday - 3 June 2008 - Rest Day

Wednesday - 4 June 2008 - Rest Day



Semi Finals

Thursday - 5 June 2008

Match 13: Winner Group A v Runner-Up Group B

Match 14:Winner Group B v Runner-Up Group A



Friday - 6 June 2008 - Rest Day

Saturday 7 June 2008 - Rest Day



Finals & 3rd/4th Play Off

Sunday - 8 June 2008

3rd/4th Play Off: Loser Match 13 vs Loser Match 14

Final: Winner Match 14 vs Winner Match 14

[Missing Post Count]

Good win, but Taiwan will probably be Australia's easiest test in the tournament.

[billy the kid]

Well done Matildas. As always they are leading the way for Aussie football on the world stage.

[adelaidepie]

Not having studied a lot of the differences between our players and the players in the eastern states, and I know there are players in the squad who come from Adelaide, but is this the same ol same ol you have to be in the easterns states to be seen and then be seleclted?????

I was having a quick look at the squad. Interested to see no current Adelaide players in the squad. Can the 'officials' only fly up and down the east coast or straight across Australia to Western Australia? When may I ask was the last time the selectors spent any time in Adelaide?

Even from an outsiders point of view, surely one girl has to be around the mark and in the squad? Maybe not???

Adelaidepie Julian

[Unretired]

Yes one of the selectors was here in January when the sasi girls were playing Victoria.

[The Beaut Game]

Yes selectors should come here and drop by for a week's "seek and identify"mission to see the players with their clubs and with sasi in he under 15 c's comp.

However, that's why in the big country (that is australia) we have our local eyes, ears and brains that feed info back to selectors. After all that's what the ntc program is all about. Right?