Emma Kemp is a senior sports reporter.
Nathan Merritt had only just disappeared back down the tunnel when Alex Johnston’s hands reclaimed the crowd’s attention in Friday’s win over Canterbury.
Australia’s display was broadly uninspiring, and clear-cut chances were few and far between, with improvements to make against Curacao in Melbourne on Tuesday.
Did Australia’s national team live up to expectations? Is making the final good enough? Was the tournament a success?
A team full of tears lamented the toughest pill to swallow from Saturday’s final was the discrepancy between the performance and the result.
The Matildas have the chance to win the Asian Cup title for the first time since 2010 but face one of the world’s best women’s sides in Japan. Kick-off is at 8pm AEDT; follow all the action live.
The last time they played Japan they were humbled in a performance described as “un-Australian” but they are confident things have changed.
Sam Kerr had been listed to talk to the media on Friday ahead of the Asian Cup final. The team sent Ellie Carpenter instead, leaving media in the dark about the captain’s fitness.
Australia’s Asian Cup final opponents Japan are “a complete team” who have scored 28 goals and conceded only one during the tournament.
There were plenty of positives against China, but Australia coach Joe Montemurro has warned against slipping back into old habits when his side plays for the trophy.
Sam Kerr was just 16 years of age the last time she won a major trophy with Australia. A wonder goal against China has given the Matildas another shot at silverware.